The Prevalence and Severity of Sick Leave due to Low Back Disorders among Workers in Slovenia: Analysis of National Data across Gender, Age and Classification of Economic Activities

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common work-related health problems. As low back disorders (LBD) are the most problematic, the aim of this study was to provide an in-depth analysis of the nationwide data on sick leaves due to work-related LBDs among workers in Slovenia in 2015-2019 by gender, age and various economic activities (NACE Rev 2 classification). We retrospectively analyzed the Slovene national data for sick leave (SL) rates due to the LBDs between 2015 and 2019. The analyzed SL outcomes were (i) index of temporary disability as a diagnosis-specific loss of calendar days (all calendar days except Sundays) per employee, (ii) frequency of spells as the number of SL cases per 100 employees in one year and (iii) severity as the average duration of one absence from work due to a health condition. A high prevalence of sick leaves due to LBDs in Slovenia was present among young male workers in mining and quarrying. In the next age group (20.0-44.9 years), LBD is most frequent in water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities. Particular attention should be paid to ''agriculture, forestry and fishing'' which shows a large average sick leave duration and probably a more demanding course of LBDs.

Automated summary

Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly low back disorders, are the most common work-related health problems. This study analyzed nationwide data from Slovenia between 2015 and 2019 to examine sick leave rates due to work-related low back disorders by gender, age, and economic activities. The findings highlighted a high prevalence of sick leaves among young male workers in mining and quarrying, and emphasized the importance of addressing the duration and demands of low back disorders in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry.