Abstract
Introduction
Healthcare personnel (HCP) are at risk for acquiring and transmitting respiratory
infections in the workplace. Paid sick leave benefits allow workers to stay home and
visit a healthcare provider when ill. The objectives of this study were to quantify
the percentage of HCP reporting paid sick leave, identify differences across occupations
and settings, and determine factors associated with having paid sick leave.
Methods
In a national nonprobability Internet panel survey of HCP in April 2022, respondents
were asked, “Does your employer offer paid sick leave?.” Responses were weighted to the U.S. HCP population by age, sex, race/ethnicity,
work setting, and census region. The weighted percentage of HCP who reported paid
sick leave was calculated by occupation, work setting, and type of employment. Using
multivariable logistic regression, factors associated with having paid sick leave
were identified.
Results
In April 2022, 73.2% of 2,555 responding HCP reported having paid sick leave, similar
to 2020 and 2021 estimates. The percentage of HCP reporting paid sick leave varied
by occupation, ranging from 63.9% (assistants/aides) to 81.2% (non-clinical personnel).
Female HCP and those working as licensed independent practitioners, in the Midwest,
and in the South were less likely to report paid sick leave.
Conclusions
The majority of HCP from all occupational groups and healthcare settings reported
having paid sick leave. However, differences by sex, occupation, type of work arrangement,
and Census region exist and highlight disparities. Increasing HCP access to paid sick
leave may decrease presenteeism and subsequent transmission of infectious diseases
in healthcare settings.
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Article info
Publication history
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
