Analysis of Psychiatric Evaluation of Employees Referred after Unauthorized Absenteeism in a Tertiary Level Railway Hospital
Abstract
Background: As for most of the industries, unauthorized absenteeism (long or frequent) is the most common cause of man-days lost in railway employees. Psychiatric illnesses and substance use disorders are major contributory factors.
Aims and Objectives: To study socio-demographic, job-profile and psychiatric and substance use related factors in employees referred for psychiatric-evaluation due to absenteeism or otherwise.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective study with a descriptive design, using a semi structured proforma for the data of 100 employees sent for psychiatric evaluation at two tertiary care hospitals due to either absenteeism or abnormal work-place behaviour. DSM 5 criterion used for diagnosis wherever required.
Result: Most of the subjects were male (97%), educated below graduation level, belonged to group D>C (68 &30%, from either of the engineering fields and had low risk job profile (78%). Frequent and long absenteeism (51% & 50%) were the most common causes of referral. The most common reason claimed by employee was ill health (51%) followed by depressive or anxiety symptoms (19%). 56% were found to have alcohol use disorder while 17% had evidence of other psychiatric illnesses (depression 10%>psychosis5%>anxiety 2%).The presence of alcohol use was associated with male gender, age more than 36 years, and education below graduation. (Chi-square-25.002, 130.557, 101.784, respectively and p-0.000** for all), while age more than 51 to 60 years and female gender was associated with depression and psychosis (p-0.000*).
Result: Most of the subjects were male (97%), educated below graduation level, belonged to group D>C (68 &30%, from either of the engineering fields and had low risk job profile (78%). Frequent and long absenteeism (51% & 50%) were the most common causes of referral. The most common reason claimed by employee was ill health (51%) followed by depressive or anxiety symptoms (19%). 56% were found to have alcohol use disorder while 17% had evidence of other psychiatric illnesses (depression 10%>psychosis5%>anxiety 2%).The presence of alcohol use was associated with male gender, age more than 36 years, and education below graduation. (Chi-square-25.002, 130.557, 101.784, respectively and p-0.000** for all), while age more than 51 to 60 years and female gender was associated with depression and psychosis (p-0.000*).
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