Characteristics associated with non-disclosure of Type 2 diabetes at work

AIM: To explore factors associated with non-disclosure of Type 2 diabetes to employers among Danish workers with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS: A total of 705 workers with Type 2 diabetes completed a Danish cross-sectional survey. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between background characteristics and probability of non-disclosure of diabetes to the employer. The models were mutually adjusted for background characteristics, socioeconomic-, diabetes- and work-related factors.

RESULTS: Among the participants, 23% had not disclosed their Type 2 diabetes to their current employer. Non-disclosure was associated with more sickness absence, more years with diabetes, greater use of diabetic medication, higher educational level and a perception of not being respected by superior. Personal traits such as gender, age and well-being were not associated with disclosure.

CONCLUSIONS: Among the feasible targets for interventions, good psychosocial work environment was associated with disclosure.