Effect of Chronic Diseases on Work Productivity: A Propensity Score Analysis

J Occup Environ Med. 2017 May;59(5):480-485. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000981.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic disease(s) on work productivity.

Methods: Using the Health & Work Performance Questionnaire, information was collected from 516 workers on chronic disease status and work productivity. Propensity-score matching was performed to identify matched-pairs of workers.

Results: In the propensity-score matched sample, workers with chronic diseases were more likely to have increased absenteeism and presenteeism rates, 6.34 and 2.36 times the rates if no chronic diseases, respectively. In addition, they had greater odds for getting negative critical work incidents and less odds for positive incidents than none or balanced status. Multimorbidity showed more significant increase in absenteeism and presenteeism rates, as well as increased odds for excess negative critical work incidents.

Conclusion: Chronic disease(s) can significantly reduce work productivity by increasing absenteeism, presenteeism, and net negative critical incidents.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absenteeism*
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chronic Disease*
  • Comorbidity*
  • Efficiency*
  • Egypt
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Presenteeism / statistics & numerical data*
  • Propensity Score
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Ships*