81 to OR = 1.42). Table 4 Effects of adjustment for work-related factors, health, and lifestyle-related factors on the association between educational level and sick leave   1–9 days sick leave† 10 or more days sick leave† Low education‡ Intermediate education‡ Low education‡ Intermediate education‡ OR 95 % CI OR 95 % CI OR 95 % CI OR 95 % CI Model 1: sex, age, and ethnicity 1.06 0.76–1.48 1.29 0.98–1.70 1.81* 1.15–2.85 1.85* 1.21–2.82 Model 2: model 1 + reduced perceived general health 1.07 0.77–1.50 1.30 0.99–1.72

1.77* 1.12–2.81 selleck compound 1.81* 1.18–2.79 Model 3: model 1 + work-related factorsa 1.00 0.71–1.41 1.20 0.91–1.58 1.62* 1.01–2.61 1.69* 1.09–2.62 Model 4: model 1 + lifestyle-related factorsb 1.04 0.74–1.47 1.29 0.97–1.71 1.69* 1.05–2.75 1.77* 1.14–2.77 Model 5: model 1 + work-related factors + health 1.04 0.74–1.47 1.22 0.92–1.62 1.59 0.99–2.55 1.65* 1.05–2.59 Model 6: model 1 + work-related factors + health + lifestyle-related factors 0.98 0.69–1.40 1.18 0.88–1.58 1.42 0.86–2.34 1.58 0.98–2.54 †Reference category: no Sepantronium cell line sick leave ‡Reference

category: high educational level aWork-related factors: awkward postures, low job control, low skill discretion, poor relation with colleagues bLifestyle-related factors: overweight/obesity * p < 0.05 Discussion In the current study, it was aimed to identify whether working conditions as well as lifestyle-related factors and health play a role Farnesyltransferase in the causal pathway of educational inequalities in productivity loss at work and sick leave. Educational differences were found for productivity loss at work and sick leave. These educational differences in productivity loss at work and sick leave were particularly apparent in the more severe categories of productivity

loss at work and sick leave. Unhealthy lifestyle-related factors, a poor general health, and unfavorable work conditions were also more prevalent among lower educated employees, but did not influence the association between education and productivity loss at work. Work-related factors and obesity did have an influence on educational differences in sick leave. Previous research found educational differences in sick leave (Beemsterboer et al. 2009; Duijts et al. 2007). In our study, these findings were corroborated, especially for 10 or more days with sick leave. We also found educational differences in productivity loss at work. Employees with a low educational level had a higher risk of productivity loss at work. Although productivity loss at work and sick leave were not associated, educational level was associated with both outcomes. The results of this study imply that both work-related and lifestyle-related factors do play a role in the mechanisms through which socioeconomic position affects sick leave. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and a decreased perceived general health were more prevalent among lower educated persons (see also Kamphuis et al.