Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Sickness presenteeism-working despite being ill-is influenced by work demands, personal circumstances, and socio-demographic factors. This study investigates the prevalence of sickness presenteeism and its self-reported reasons across socio-demographic groups in Latvia. METHODS: Data were pooled from four consecutive cross-sectional surveys conducted from 2006 to 2018, representing a sample of 6,368 hired workers. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between presenteeism and socio-demographic variables (gender, age, education, income, and job position), while chi-squared tests examined differences in reasons for presenteeism. RESULTS: Overall, 11% of respondents reported working while ill in the past year. The most common reasons were a lack of replacement possibilities (27.7%), financial considerations (25.5%), specific work-related aspects (17.4%), and mild illness (14.0%). Significant socio-demographic differences were observed, with gender, income level, and job position influencing the reasons for presenteeism. DISCUSSION: These findings underscore the need for targeted workplace policies, including strategies to address replacement gaps, financial insecurity, and job-related pressures. Future research should explore cross-national comparisons and the impact of evolving work patterns, such as telework, on presenteeism trends.