Newly delivered women's evaluation of personal health status and attitudes towards sickness absence and social benefits

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Abstract
Background. Unexpectedly high rates of sickness absence have been observed among pregnant women. No clear medical causes for illnesses reported as the basis for sick leave have yet been identified with certainty. An explanation proposed is the pregnant women's own attitudes towards their own states of well being during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of this hypothesis.Methods. All of the 384 women who were delivered at the University Hospital during a 2‐month period were asked to answer a questionnaire anonymously. Information was sought concerning sickness absence and the use of parental benefits. In addition, questions were asked about working conditions and about each mother's own estimate of her level of ‘well being’. The women's attitudes towards work absence due to illness and towards social benefit programs were registered.Results. Forty‐three per cent of the women stated that they had been on sick leave during pregnancy. The main reason for sick leave was reported back pain. Seventy‐four per cent of the women who were on sick leave stated, nevertheless, that they had been in ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ health during pregnancy. Of the 149 women who did not take sick leave, 10 reported being in ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ health during pregnancy. 4.3% of the women stated that they had considered themselves to be ill due to an obstetric condition.Conclusion. In addition to actual disease and severe discomfort, certain social conditions and attitudes as well, are likely to explain the increase of pregnant women on sick leave.