LAUSR

Improving the psychosocial work environment and alleviating the symptoms are important for preventing presenteeism due to diarrhea and constipation symptoms, which are frequent in the workplace. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship of diarrhea/constipation symptoms with presenteeism and psychosocial work environment factors. Methods: This study analyzed 16,975 workers of 10 Japanese companies. Presenteeism was measured using a work functioning impairment scale. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (cis) for the relationship between diarrhea/constipation and presenteeism were estimated using a logistic model, adjusting for the psychosocial work environment. Results: Diarrhea/constipation symptoms were related to presenteeism. This relationship was weakened, but remained significant after adjusting for psychosocial work environment factors. Conclusions: Diarrhea and constipation, which are highly prevalent in the workplace, are important pathological factors for presenteeism. Presenteeism can be partially suppressed by improving the psychosocial work environment.