The effect of unhealthy living on work absenteeism

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to examine the effect of unhealthy living on work absenteeism. The main determinants of unhealthy living analysed in this study are; obesity, represented by Body Mass Index, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diets, smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use and mental health problems. The study was carried out using two representative national surveys carried out in the Maltese islands in 2002 and 2008. The main finding of this study is that high body mass index, lack of physical activity and mental health problems were the main determinants of increasing absenteeism in 2002. However, the negative effects of high body mass index and physical activity were not present in 2008. Mental health remained persistent as the main determinant causing increases in absenteeism in both years.