Factors associated with the ability and willingness of essential workers to report To duty during a pandemic

Robyn R.M. Gershon, Lori A. Magda, Kristine A. Qureshi, Halley E.M. Riley, Eileen Scanlon, Maria Torroella Carney, Reginald J. Richards, Martin F. Sherman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To determine essential workers' ability and willingness to report to duty during a serious pandemic outbreak and to identify modifiable risk factors. Methods: Workers (N = 1103) from six essential workgroups completed an anonymous, cross-sectional survey. Results: Although a substantial proportion of participants reported that they would be able (80%), fewer would be willing (65%) to report to duty. Only 49% of participants would be both able and willing. Factors significantly associated with ability/willingness included individual-level (eg, intentions to adhere to respiratory protection and pandemic vaccination recommendations) and organizational-level factors (eg, preparedness planning for respiratory protection and worker vaccination programs). Conclusions: During a serious pandemic event, non-illness-related shortfalls among essential workers could be substantial. Organizational preparedness efforts should focus on worker protection programs and the development of policies that would facilitate the attendance of healthy workers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)995-1003
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume52
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Factors associated with the ability and willingness of essential workers to report To duty during a pandemic'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this