Occupational Physicians' Behavioral Determinants Regarding Prevention and the Association With Time Allocated to Preventive Tasks.

Abstract

While prevention is key in preventing work-related health problems, it is unclear how much time Dutch occupational physicians (OPs) allocate to preventive tasks. This study aimed to assess OPs' attitudes, social influence, and self-efficacy (ASE) regarding preventive tasks and the association with time allocated to these tasks. In this cross-sectional study, questionnaire data on ASE determinants and time allocated to preventive tasks were collected from 227 OPs and analyzed using multivariable linear regression, adjusted for demographic characteristics. OPs spent about 10% of their time on preventive tasks, had a positive attitude but low self-efficacy, and experienced varying social support. Results showed that social support from employers and OPs' self-efficacy were positively associated with time allocated to prevention. For attitude towards prevention and time allocated to preventive tasks, no association was found. Efforts should be made to increase social support and improve self-efficacy for Dutch OPs, for example by developing educational programs for both OPs and employers.