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Barriers and facilitators to influenza-like illness absenteeism among healthcare workers in a tertiary-care healthcare system, 2017–2018 influenza season

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 March 2021

Diep Hoang Johnson ,
Fauzia Osman ,
Jero Bean ,
Linda Stevens ,
Daniel Shirley ,
Julie A. Keating ,
Shabvon Johnson  and
Nasia Safdar
Diep Hoang Johnson
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
Fauzia Osman
Affiliation:
Division of Infection Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
Jero Bean
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
Linda Stevens
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
Daniel Shirley
Affiliation:
Division of Infection Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
Julie A. Keating
Affiliation:
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
Shabvon Johnson
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
Nasia Safdar*
Affiliation:
Division of Infection Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
*
Author for correspondence: Nasia Safdar, E-mail: Ns2@medicine.wisc.edu
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Abstract

Objective:

Influenza can be introduced and propagated in healthcare settings by healthcare workers (HCWs) working while ill with influenza. However, reasons driving this behavior are unclear. In this study, we examined barriers to and facilitators of absenteeism during the influenza season.

Design:

Cross-sectional mixed methods study.

Setting:

Ambulatory and inpatient settings in a large, tertiary-care healthcare system.

Methods:

An anonymous electronic survey was sent to HCWs between June 11 and July 13, 2018, asking participants to self-report influenza-like illness (ie, ILI symptoms of fever, chills, cough, or sore throat) during the 2017–2018 influenza season. We conducted a logistical regression analysis to identify factors associated with absenteeism.

Results:

Of 14,250 HCWs, 17% responded to the survey. Although 1,180 respondents (51%) reported symptoms of ILI, 575 (43%) did not stay home while ill. The most commonly perceived barriers to ILI absenteeism included being understaffed (odds ratio [OR], 1.78; P = .04), unable to find a replacement for work (OR, 2.26; P = .03), desiring not to use time off (OR, 2.25; P = .003), and paid by the hour or unable to afford being absent (OR, 2.05; P = .02). Common perceived facilitators of absenteeism included support from coworkers and management, clearer policy, better sick days availability, and lower perceived threat of disciplinary action.

Conclusions:

Reporting to work with ILI symptoms is common among HCWs. Most barriers and facilitators are related to systems. Addressing system factors, such as policies regarding sick days and sick leave and ensuring adequate backup staffing, is likely to facilitate absenteeism among ill HCWs.

Type
Original Article
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 42 , Issue 10 , October 2021 , pp. 1198 - 1205
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021 Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America

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Footnotes

a

Authors of equal contribution.

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