Association between workaholism and headaches causing presenteeism: A cross-sectional study in Japan.

OBJECTIVES:This study investigates the association between workaholism and headaches causing presenteeism among Japanese employees. METHODS:Used data from self-reporting questionnaire and annual health checkups. Workaholism was assessed using the Dutch Workaholic Scale and headaches causing presenteeism were identified as the symptom hindering work. We performed a logistic regression analysis adjusted for covariates. RESULTS:Among 5,802 respondents, 3.7% cited headaches as the symptom hindering work. We found an association between workaholism and such headaches (Odds ratios [OR]: 1.05, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.03-1.08). Both working excessively (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.12) and working compulsively (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.05-1.15) subscales were also related. CONCLUSIONS:Workaholism may lead to productivity loss due to headaches, and addressing workaholism can prevent this loss. Combining health examination data with work hours data may enable the early detection of workaholism.