Objective
to estimate the prevalence of sickness benefits among workers in the construction industry and the potential influence of sex, age and branch of activity within the framework of incapacity for work in Brazil in 2009.
Methods
a cross-sectional population study based on sickness benefits provided by the Brazilian Social Security. Information about the branch of activity, sex, age, cause and type of clinical benefit of workers was extracted from the Unified Benefits and the National Registry of Social Information. The study population corresponded to the average monthly employment relations declared in 2009 (1,784,772).
Results
the study population was granted 81,235 sickness benefits, resulting in a prevalence of 455.2/10,000 bonds, predominantly non-work related benefits (Prevalence Ratio [PR] 3,1), male (PR 1,3), and branches of activity: Finishing works, Construction works of art and Earthwork. Men were granted 76.7% more sickness benefits related to work than women. The main causes were Injuries, Musculoskeletal Diseases, and Digestive Diseases. The most prevalent clinical categories were Back pain, Fracture at the wrist and hand, Fracture of the leg and Inguinal hernia. Prevalence increased with age.
Conclusion
the prevalence of sickness benefits was influenced by the type of benefit, type of activity, age and sex. The results of this study suggest potential mechanisms of underreporting/social security demand.
work disability; sickness benefit; construction; economic activity; occupational health