Occupational Physicians’ Behavioral Determinants Regarding Prevention and the Association with time allocated to preventive tasks (September 2025)-Occupational Physicians’ Behavioural Determinants Regarding Prevention and the Association with time allocated to preventive tasks

Occupational Physicians’ Behavioural Determinants Regarding Prevention and the Association with time allocated to preventive tasks

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This 2025 cross-sectional study investigated Dutch occupational physicians' (OPs) behavioral determinants—attitude, social influence, and self-efficacy (ASE)—regarding preventive tasks and their association with the time allocated to prevention. Prevention plays a vital role in mitigating work-related health problems, particularly mental health issues, which contribute to absenteeism, presenteeism, and societal costs. Despite this, the execution of preventive tasks by OPs in the Netherlands remains limited and focused more on sickness absence and reintegration guidance.<br /><br />Data were collected via questionnaires from 227 OPs, representing roughly 10-15% of Dutch OPs, assessing self-reported time distribution among preventive tasks, absence/reintegration guidance, and other duties. Preventive tasks were legally defined and included activities such as workplace visits, health screenings, and advising on occupational health policy. Behavioral determinants were measured using 5-point Likert scales, dichotomized into positive/negative categories.<br /><br />Findings revealed that OPs allocated about 10% of their working time to preventive tasks, compared to 70% on absence and reintegration guidance. Almost all OPs had positive attitudes, with 96% feeling preventive tasks were their responsibility and over 80% endorsing outcome expectations related to sustainable employment and mental health. However, only 56% reported high self-efficacy to perform preventive tasks effectively. Social support varied: 85% felt supported by colleagues, but just 43% experienced sufficient support from employers.<br /><br />Multivariable regression showed no significant association between attitude and time spent on prevention. However, higher self-efficacy and greater social support from employers were positively and significantly associated with increased time allocated to preventive tasks (+4.8% and +3.6%, respectively).<br /><br />The study highlights a mismatch between OPs' positive attitudes and limited preventive engagement, influenced by perceived lack of employer support and self-confidence. Recommendations include enhancing employer engagement and OPs’ self-efficacy through targeted education and interventions. Barriers such as organizational culture, resource constraints, and SME-specific challenges also affect prevention implementation. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and potential selection bias toward OPs interested in prevention. Overall, systemic improvements are needed to empower OPs in prioritizing workplace preventive health measures.

Keywords

occupational physicians

preventive tasks

self-efficacy

social support

attitude

mental health

workplace prevention

time allocation

employer support

Dutch occupational health