Background: Sick leave can be envisaged as an important public health indicator. Health problems and trouble at work are predictors of absenteeism.
Objective: Within the context of reforming the judicial system, the aim of this study was to examine whether individual characteristics and working conditions influenced reports of sick leave amongst a population of Brazilian magistrates.
Methods: A web-based survey was conducted in 2011 in such a way as to reach the entire population of Brazilian Labor-law magistrates across the country. The variable of interest related to the question: "Have you taken any medical leave due to illness over the last 12 months?"
Results: Less than a quarter of the population participated in the survey, despite widespread publicity produced by the professional association. Among the work-related factors, experiences of violence in the courthouse were shown to be associated with the outcome. No significant association with the material or psychosocial working conditions or with the workload was found. Female, worse health assessment, not participating in social activities and having a mother with higher schooling level were significantly associated with absenteeism among the magistrates.
Conclusion: It is desirable to formulate sectorial policies focusing on controlling and monitoring violent events in the courthouse.
Keywords: Judges; judicial sector; occupational health; working conditions.