Occupational burnout and medically certified sickness absence: A population-based study of Finnish employees
Journal of Psychosomatic ResearchPublished 26 January 2008
Kirsi Ahola, Mika Kivimäki, Teija Honkonen, Marianna Virtanen, Seppo Koskinen, Jussi Vahtera
Citations169
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score1.31
SNIP1.10
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TL;DR
Severe burnout is associated with a substantial excess risk of medically certified sickness absence among both men and women, independent of prevalent mental disorders and physical illnesses.
Abstract
Severe burnout is associated with a substantial excess risk of medically certified sickness absence among both men and women. This association is independent of prevalent mental disorders and physical illnesses.
Keywords
MedicineHealth Professions
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