BACKGROUND: The incidence of mental health problems is rising. Large sex differences are found for mental health problems, which also is reflected in sick-leave. The aim of this study was to analyse the association of mental health problems with sickness @entity2048 in general. METHODS: Employed @entity1 (n = 1407) in four occupational groups, namely metal workers, enrolled nurses, medical secretaries and nurses, were included. Sick-leave data were collected through social insurance and employers' registers. Five indicators reflecting different aspects of mental health problems were analysed in relation to sickness @entity2048 . RESULTS: @entity1 with mental health problems, irrespective of indicator used, had higher levels of sickness @entity2048 than @entity1 without mental health problems. The association was found for frequency, incidence, length and duration of sickness @entity2048 , and it was found also with respect to less severe forms of mental health problems. For example, @entity1 with worries had a frequency of 3.5 sick-leave spells per year, while @entity1 without worries had 2.5 spells. Furthermore, @entity1 with self-reported @entity1032 (SF-36) had a 1.93 times increase in sick-leave length over 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that mental health problems need to be recognised in relation to sickness @entity2048 , rehabilitation and prevention in all diagnoses.

Do mental health problems increase sickness XXXX due to other diseases?

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'Women'] @entity1032 :: ('MESH:D008607', 'Disease') :: ['mental illness'] @entity2048 :: ('MESH:D004832', 'Disease') :: ['absence']
@entity2048 :: (MESH:D004832,Disease) :: ['absence']
