[Short-term absenteeism in Norwegian industry].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons for short-term absence from work on medical grounds, and because of headache in particular, for periods of 1 to 3 days. The causes of short-term absence from work, both self-reported or as stated on a doctor's certificate, were studied prospectively among 2,600 employees in five Norwegian factories. It was found that the main reason for short-term absence was intercurrent self-limiting disease, such as respiratory infections, gastrointestinal upsets, musculoskeletal pain and headache. Among this particular group, injuries or the need to care for a sick child were seldom the cause of the absence.