Absenteísmo por doença e acidente em serviço entre servidores públicos federais: um panorama em uma universidade no interior da Amazônia

Abstract

Temporary work absence is defined as absenteeism. When the absences occur due to health reasons, it is classified as sickness absenteeism. As a complex and multifactorial phenomenon, it can be analyzed from various perspectives, with health being a significant focus of concern in many countries, as it can indicate workers’ health and working conditions. Due to the scarcity of data on the health and occupational accidents of federal public servants, particularly in the Northern region of Brazil, this topic requires investigation. This study aims to identify the characteristics of sickness absenteeism and work-related accidents among federal public servants at the Federal University of Western Pará (Ufopa). It is an observational, cross- sectional, and descriptive study based on absences approved by the SIASS Tapajós medical board between January 2019 and December 2023. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee, and the absence indicators were analyzed considering the number of absence episodes, the number of absent workers, and lost workdays using descriptive statistics. Results for the period include: 10.53% prevalence; absence frequency index of 16.73%; absenteeism duration of 52.62 days; and average absence duration of 33.12 days. Administrative staff, women, and the 31-40 age group stood out. Mental and behavioral disorders, infectious and parasitic diseases, and musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases were prominent in the number of absences. Similarly, these disorders and neoplasms stood out in the number of lost workdays. Fifteen occupational accidents were recorded, with a prevalence of 0.17% and an average absence duration of 13.78 days, accounting for 0.41% of the total lost workdays. Injuries, intoxications, and other external causes predominated. The prominence of infectious and parasitic diseases in absenteeism indices suggests the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic. The analysis of occupational accidents, rarely studied for their impact on public service absenteeism, proved innovative. The identified panorama may support policies and actions for health surveillance, accident prevention, and health promotion among public servants. Additional studies are needed.