The Economic Burden of Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue and the Consequences on Work in Organizations

Abstract

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases represent a growing public health problem and pose a major burden on health systems. Due to the increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases, this area is becoming increasingly important in work organizations. An individual with health problems is less efficient and less productive at work, which results in poorer economic results. The health problems caused by these diseases also lead to premature retirement and a poorer quality of life for the individual. This increases the direct and indirect costs that burden employers and society as a whole. In cooperation with the Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana in 2000 the Slovenian National Institute of Public Health analyzed the economic burden of selected six diagnoses of the most common causes of musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases for the period 2016 to 2018, on the basis of routine health databases. Based on the calculation of indirect and direct costs, the economic burden of musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases accounted for about 5% of total health expenditure, which is 0.4% of gross domestic product in the study period. Risk factors associated with the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue can be influenced by a healthy lifestyle, which is reflected in a better quality of life of the individual and higher productivity in work organizations.