O-075 Effect of the Norwegian Agreement on a More Inclusive Working Life on Use of Sick Leave and Pregnancy Benefits Among Pregnant Women: A Cohort Study

Introduction This paper aims to estimate the effect of the Norwegian Agreement on a More Inclusive Working Life (IA Agreement) on sickness absence (SA) and use of pregnancy benefits among pregnant women. Methods Women giving birth 1.12.2003-31.12.2010 (n=112,486) were observed from 6-37 gestational weeks in one of the following states: work, full SA, graded SA, pregnancy benefits, maternity leave, and other. Repeated stays were possible. Transition intensities were estimated using an inverse probability weighted Nelson-Aalen estimator, and state probabilities were calculated using the Aalen-Johansen plug-in estimator. Absolute probability differences between women in companies with and without an IA Agreement plus expected length of stay (ELOS) in days were calculated. Weights adjusted for group differences in calendar year, age, civil status, education, industry, and number of employees. 95% confidence intervals (CI) were generated using bootstrapping (1,000 repetitions). Results Throughout pregnancy, women in IA companies spent half a day more in work, full SA, and graded SA, respectively, and half a day less in pregnancy benefits. During the second trimester, women in IA companies had a slightly higher probability of being in work and a lower probability of full SA. Confidence intervals were wide and included zero. Discussion During pregnancy, women in IA companies appeared more likely to use full and graded SA but also more likely to remain in work and less likely to use pregnancy benefits. Conclusion This study did not find any significant effects of the IA Agreement, but the results suggest IA-related measures could work best for conditions experienced in the second trimester.