8291663 Trends in diagnosis-specific sickness absence by sex and age group in Finland, 2010–2023

<h3>Objective</h3> Monitoring sickness absence trends across different population and diagnostic groups is essential for detecting emerging health and disability patterns. The aim of this study is to examine recent diagnosis-specific sickness absence trends in the Finnish working-age population by sex and age group. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> Data was collected from national registers covering all non-retired 16–67-year-old residents in Finland from 2010 to 2023 (annual N &gt; 3.1 million persons). Sickness absence was defined as receipt of sickness allowance, a benefit provided after 10 days of absence. Annual sickness absence prevalences (%) were calculated by diagnostic group across five 10-year age groups, separately for women and men. <h3>Results</h3> The relative importance of different diagnostic groups causing sickness absence changed significantly during the study period. While sickness absence due to somatic diagnoses – primarily musculoskeletal diseases and injuries – generally declined, sickness absence due to mental disorders increased markedly from 2016 to 2023, particularly among women. This increase was most pronounced in younger age groups (16–25, 25–34 and 35–44 years). By the end of the study period, mental disorders had become the leading cause of sickness absence in most age and sex groups. Only among men aged 45–54 and among women and men aged 55–67 did musculoskeletal diseases remain the primary cause of sickness absence also at the end of the study period. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The rise in sickness absence due to mental disorders across all demographic groups, particularly younger women, is concerning and requires urgent intervention. Simultaneously, the decline in sickness absence due to musculoskeletal diseases is a positive trend that should be maintained.