(in German)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most important diseases. The prevention of CVD and MSD is becoming increasingly important. Specific need for prevention can be estimated based on statistics of occupation-related sick leave. The current statistics of the statutory health insurances funds are limited regarding diagnosis-specific risks of sick leave in single occupations.

The primary objective is to provide detailed descriptions of sick leave for CVDs and MSDs in single occupations.

The project based methodically on a secondary analysis of data on sick leave due to eight of the most frequent CVDs (ICD-10 chapter IX), ten of the most frequent MSDs (ICD-10 chapter XIII) and additionally the single diagnosis “Mononeuropathia of the upper extremities” (ICD-10 G56). Data from almost all statutory health insurances funds representing insured employees aged between 18 and 64 years in 2008 were acquired (13.7 million men, 12.5 million women). The first three digits of the German classification of occupation KldB 1988 are used to identify single occupations. Occupational groups are formed based on the classification of BLOSSFELD (1985). Occupation specific standardized morbidity ratios (SMR) of sick leave occurrence stratified by sex are reported as effect estimates. Office workers and higher qualified occupations in administration and business are considered as reference group.

The results indicate that sick leave is significantly more frequent for most of the considered diagnoses in manufacturing and service with low and medium-level qualifications. Some occupations, like men or women working as metalworkers and household cleaners are generally more frequently affected than office worker independently of the analyzed diagnosis.

The results document large differences in the diagnosis-specific incidence of sick leave between occupations. The data set is highly representative for most of the occupations due to the aggregation of data of nearly all statutory health insurances funds. The study design and the methods used could be applicable to other diseases.

Please download the complete report "Occupation specific risk for sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders or cardiovascular diseases" (in German only).