Health And Work Performance Questionnaire Research Articles

The economic burden of diagnostic uncertainty on rare disease patients.

It often takes a long time before a rare disease is diagnosed. Without a diagnosis, the right therapy often cannot be carried out and without the right therapy, the patients are denied the opportunity for a cure or relief from their symptoms. In addition, rare diseases can also have economic consequences for those affected. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which a rare disease affects the income and work performance of the patients concerned and whether the use of AI in diagnostics would have the potential to reduce economic losses. The work performance and income of 71 patients of the outpatient clinic for rare inflammatory systemic diseases with renal involvement at Hannover Medical School were analyzed during the course of the disease. The WHO Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) was used to collect data. During the patient interviews, the questionnaire was completed four times: at the onset of the first symptoms, when a diagnostic decision support system (DDSS) would have suggested the correct diagnosis, at the time of diagnosis and at the current status. With the onset of the diagnostic odyssey, the monthly net income of the patients under study dropped by an average of 5.32% due to lower work performance or work absenteeism. With the correct diagnosis, the original or even a better income of 11.92% could be achieved. Loss of income due to illness was more massive in patients with a rare disease with joint, muscle and connective tissue involvement than in patients with rare vasculitides. If a DDSS had been used, the loss of income would have been 2.66% instead of the actual 5.32%. Rare diseases resulted in temporary or existing income losses in 28.17% of the patients. Losses in work performance and income were related to the type of disease and were more pronounced in patients with joint, muscle or connective tissue disease than in patients with rare vasculitides. The use of a DDSS may have the potential to reduce the negative income effects of patients through earlier correct diagnosis. Retrospectively registered.

Work-related musculoskeletal complaints: risk factors and impact on work productivity among university administrative employees

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant workplace problem leading to loss of productivity and disability. Administrative workers perform computer-based tasks for long periods. Consequently, they are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of this study was to explore the frequency and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal complaints and their impact on work productivity among administrative employees of Suez Canal University, Egypt.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 administrative employees through simple random sampling. Data were collected by an interview questionnaire including sociodemographic, work-related data, ergonomic and psychological risk factors, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ).ResultsThe frequency of work-related musculoskeletal complaints in at least one anatomical region over the past year was 74.7%. Neck (47.1%), lower back (40.7%), and shoulder (36.3%) were the most reported sites of complaints. Risk factors significantly associated with work-related musculoskeletal complaints were gender, age, physical activity, work experience, workplace stress, sustained body position, awkward posture, and inadequate rest breaks. Logistic regression revealed that older age (OR = 1.039, p = 0.023), being female (OR = 2.175, p = 0.011), and not having adequate rest breaks (OR = 1.979, p = 0.019) were significant predictors for the occurrence of WMSDs. The risk factors of absenteeism include gender, age, marital status, educational level, physical activity, BMI, work experience, and musculoskeletal complaints.ConclusionMusculoskeletal problems were highly prevalent among administrative employees. Being female and not having adequate rest breaks were significant predictors for the occurrence of WMSDs. Ergonomic interventions and improvement of working conditions are recommended to reduce WMSDs.

Comparison of work efficiency in factory workers: pre & post covid lockdown – a cross sectional study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic's impact on economies worldwide has caused changes in work patterns, reduced productivity, and job losses, particularly affecting factory workers. Lockdown measures have also led to reduced physical activity levels, which is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases. This study aims to investigate efficiency of factory workers pre and post lockdown periods. The findings will contribute to identifying evidence-based strategies to minimize the negative impact of lockdown measures on factory workers' productivity and health.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the work performance of employees in a medicine manufacturing unit. Data was collected from factory workers online and study period was January 2021 to April 2022. Survey includes close ended questions regarding work performance of employees before lockdown period (Before 20/03/2020) and performance after lockdown period (After August 2020). The sample size of 196 employees selected through simple random sampling. A questionnaire consisting of demographic factors, work details, and work performance was prepared using pretested standard tools, including the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ), the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ), and the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6). The collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics and a paired t-test.ResultsThe study found that prior to lockdown, 99% of employees consistently had higher performance, with 71.4% ranking in the top 10. However, after lockdown, the percentage of employees with high performance decreased to 91.8%, with only 63.3% ranking in the top 10. These differences were statistically significant, indicating a decrease in work efficiency of 8.1%. Before lockdown, employees worked longer hours, including on off days, while after lockdown, a small proportion missed work due to various reasons, resulting in better quality work.ConclusionIn conclusion, the study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work efficiency of factory workers. The findings indicate a decrease in work efficiency after the lockdown, coupled with an increase in employee stress. This suggests that the pandemic has brought about unique challenges for factory workers that need to be addressed to maintain their well-being and productivity. This study emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes the mental and physical health of employees, especially during times of crisis.

Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire in German.

Research interest in presenteeism as a productivity loss has grown given its estimated costs for organizations. To enable researchers in German-speaking countries to compare their findings internationally, a validated German Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) version is needed. First, the HPQ was translated from English into German, culturally adapted, and tested using cognitive debriefing in interviews. Second, the structural validity of the item measuring presenteeism as productivity loss was tested. Overall, 14 problems with items were identified in the cognitive debriefing. Of these, 57% were comprehension problems. Two of three alternative hypotheses for discriminative validity were accepted. No discrimination was possible for individuals with or without chronic disease. The German HPQ has satisfactory cross-cultural validity and can be used to measure overall performance, as well as presenteeism in a specified sample with health problems.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With the Risk of Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder in Japanese Youth.

BackgroundDelayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) is more prevalent among the younger generation. However, the prevalence of this disorder in Asia, particularly Japan, has not yet been elucidated. Furthermore, the impact of DSWPD morbidity on daytime functioning and factors associated with the presence of the disorder remain unclear.MethodsA web-based survey was conducted among youth aged 15–30 years. In total, 7,810 individuals completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire included items on sociodemographic variables as well as the Japanese version of the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry self-report (J-BRIAN-SR), which assesses the risk of DSWPD, sleep behaviors and possibly related lifestyle variables, productivity loss [WHO Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ)], and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The risk of DSWPD was indicated by a J-BRIAN-SR score greater than or equal to 40 points and days of absence ≥4 days per month. After comparing these variables for participants at risk of DSWPD and those who were not, the factors associated with the risk of DSWPD were examined using logistic regression analysis, with sociodemographic and lifestyle variables as independent variables.ResultsThe overall prevalence of participants at risk DSWPDs was 4.3%. Compared with participants without DSWPD, those at risk of DSWPD presented significantly worse HPQ and HRQOL scores. The risk of DSWPD was positively associated with the presence of currently treated diseases, length of nighttime liquid crystal display (LCD) viewing, and being a high school/university students. It was negatively associated with habitual exercise.ConclusionThe risk of DSWPD seemed to be consistent with reports from Western countries, and individuals possibly affected by the disorder were thought to have deteriorated daytime functioning. In addition, lifestyle specific to youth, such as long-term LCD viewing at night and relatively loose social constraints, could be associated with the presence of DSWPD in this generation.

Occupational Burnout and Productivity Loss: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Academic University Staff.

BackgroundBurnout has been endorsed with serious negative health- and work-related outcomes. This study is aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout and its association with work productivity among academic staff.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 240 academic staff working at a public university in Egypt. Participants were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire involving basic personal, health, and work-related characteristics. Besides, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) was used to assess occupational burnout dimensions (i.e., emotional exhaustion “EE,” depersonalization “DP,” and personal accomplishment “PA”), while work productivity was assessed with the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ).ResultsIn total, 28% of respondents scored high in EE [95% confidence interval (CI): 22.5–33.8%], 18.3% high in DP (95% CI: 13.8–3.6%), and 88.3% scored low in PA (95% CI: 83.8–91.9%). Seventy percent of respondents scored high in only one burnout dimension, 21.7% scored high in two dimensions, while 7.1% scored high in all three dimensions. Multivariable analysis showed that EE was the only burnout dimension that showed a statistically significant association between absenteeism and presenteeism rates. The absenteeism rates among respondents with moderate and high EE were 2.1 and 3.3 times the rates among those with low EE, respectively. Likewise, the presenteeism rates among respondents with moderate and high EE were 2.4 and 4.7 times the rates among those with low EE, respectively.ConclusionsAcademic staff showed a high prevalence of at least one burnout dimension. Moderate and high EE scores were significantly associated with increased productivity loss when compared to low EE.

Work Status, Missed Time at Work, Work Performance, and Quality of Life in Adult Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplant in Childhood

Background: Post-allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) work status is an important indicator of survivors' health recovery and social and economic well-being. However, current literature lacks data on work status, missed time at work, work performance, and quality of life (QOL) of long-term survivors of childhood HCT.Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey study of ≥1-year survivors of childhood allogeneic HCT (performed between 1985-2010 at Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI) who were <18 years of age at HCT and ≥18 years of age at their most recent assessment. Eligible survivors were identified using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database and contacted by email and/or mail. Validated patient reported outcomes measures, the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) and the National Institutes of Health Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) were used to capture work and QOL data, respectively. Using HPQ responses, working survivors' work absenteeism and presenteeism scores were calculated. Absenteeism scores were also calculated for the survivors who reported to be students. Absolute absenteeism was defined as 4*(no. of hours expected at work or school) - no. of hours actually worked or attended school. Relative absenteeism was defined as absolute absenteeism score/ 4*(no. of hours expected at work or school). Absolute presenteeism was defined as 10*(self-reported work performance in last 4 weeks). Relative presenteeism was defined as self-reported work performance in last 4 weeks / self-reported performance of co-workers. Higher absenteeism and presenteeism scores indicated higher missed time at work or school and better work performance, respectively. PROMIS domains were scored on a T-score metric with a mean score of reference population at 50 and standard deviation of 10. The primary outcome was individual PROMIS domain score as a continuous variable. Univariate linear regression was performed to study factors associated with increase in PROMIS domain scores. For negatively worded domains (anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive concerns, pain interference), higher score was considered worse and for positively worded domains (physical function, satisfaction with social roles and activities), lower score was considered worse. Student survivors were considered employed in the analysis. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Out of 99 allogeneic HCT recipients who met the selection criteria, 47 initiated the survey and 44 completed it (44% response rate). At the time of survey, 73% (n=32) of the respondents were working, 23% (n=10) were unemployed, and 4% (n=2) were students. Median age at HCT and survey were 11.1 years (interquartile range [IQR] 7.0-13.5) and 30.0 years (IQR 26.5-34.0), respectively. Median follow-up from HCT was 22 years (range 9-32). Fifty two percent were females and 75% received HCT for malignant diseases (acute lymphoblastic leukemia 45%). Compared to unemployed survivors, employed survivors reported less pain interference and sleep disturbance (Figure 1). History of acute graft vs. host disease (GVHD) was associated with worse physical function. Median absolute absenteeism and presenteeism scores were 0 hours (IQR [-1.5]-16) and 83 (IQR 73-92), respectively. Higher absolute presenteeism was associated with less pain interference and more satisfaction with social roles and activities and physical function. Higher relative presenteeism was associated with less cognitive concerns. Higher absolute absenteeism was associated with less depression and higher relative absenteeism with less fatigue (Table 1).Conclusions: Nearly a quarter of the survivors reported being unemployed at the time of the survey. Significant associations between survivors' work status, work performance, and QOL were identified. Our findings provide an important insight on the implications of work outcomes on HCT survivors' physical, mental, and social health and emphasizes the importance of routine longitudinal assessment of work status, performance and QOL in this population. These results also have the potential to help develop effective communication strategies with employers to balance work expectations of survivors in order to achieve better work productivity and in turn, good QOL. [Display omitted] DisclosuresBhatt: Johnson & Johnson: Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months; Moderna, Inc.: Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months; Pfizer Inc.: Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months; Rite Aid Corporation: Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months. Phelan: Amgen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Shaw: mallinkrodt: Other: payments; Orca bio: Consultancy.

Association of work performance with absenteeism and presenteeism among support workers in a medical school hospital, Thailand

PurposeThe aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of absenteeism and presenteeism and explore their association with work performance among support workers in a medical school hospital in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,102 support workers in the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, in June–August 2020. The World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) was used to assess absenteeism, presenteeism, work performance and related factors. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between current work performance and absenteeism and presenteeism in the past year.FindingsA total of 505 (45.8%) support workers completed the self-report questionnaire. Prevalence of sickness absence, non-sickness absence and presenteeism in the past year was 54.2%, 81.4% and 48.1%, respectively. Sickness absence and presenteeism in the past year were significantly associated with increased odds of poor work performance: (OR 3.05, 95% CI: 1.24–7.49) and (OR 5.12, 95% CI: 2.25–11.64), respectively. Support workers with high levels of stress and burnout were 3.89 (95% CI: 1.56–9.68) and 2.66 (95% CI: 1.50–4.72) times more likely to report poor work performance.Originality/valueSickness absence and presenteeism are associated with poor work performance in hospital support workers. Other factors such as stress and burnout also contribute to poor work performance, and interaction among these factors needs further research. To improve productivity, hospital administrators might consider intervention programs to enhance work performance among workers with sickness absence and presenteeism.

Lactococcus lactis Strain Plasma Improves Subjective Physical State and Presenteeism: A Randomized, Open-Label Crossover Study among Healthy Office Workers

Maintaining employees’ presenteeism is a major issue in the workplace. Simple and convenient methods to improve presenteeism are required. We investigated whether administering the lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma) can improve the performance and physical condition of office workers. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1) an intake period (consumption of LC-Plasma-containing yogurt beverage) followed by a non-intake period, or 2) a non-intake period followed by an intake period. Each period lasted 4 weeks and there was a 4- week washout period between each. Assessment was conducted using the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ), the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire and physical condition questionnaires. A total of 153 subjects were analyzed. Absolute presenteeism (as assessed by the HPQ) and vigor (as assessed by POMS) were significantly higher in the intake period than the non-intake period. The subject’s physical health (as assessed by typical common cold symptoms, physical condition, sneezing or runny noses, coughing or sore throats, and lassitude) was also superior during the LC-Plasma intake period. Our results suggest that intake of LC-Plasma for 4 weeks improves work performance through reducing the risk of infection.

Impact of a Structured Weight Management Program on Worker Productivity.

To determine the impact of an intensive behavioral weight management program on presenteeism and absenteeism in obese participants employed full-time. Participants were recruited from the University of Michigan Weight Management program (WMP), a multidisciplinary lifestyle program targeting 15% body weight loss. Absenteeism and presenteeism were assessed using the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) at baseline and 6 months. One hundred forty-two participants, predominantly college-educated white-collar employees, were included in the study. After 6 months in the program, there was no significant change in absenteeism or presenteeism compared with baseline. There was a trend towards reduced absenteeism. Participation in an intensive weight management program did not adversely impact worker productive time. Conversely, our findings should be reassuring to employer groups and to employees with obesity concerned about time spent away from work.

SAĞLIK ÇALIŞANLARI ARASINDA IŞE DEVAMSIZLIK DÜZEYI VE MALI YÜKÜ

This study was aimed at identifying the prevalence of unscheduled absenteeism resulting in loss of labor among healthcare professionals and its cost burden on hospitals. The study was conducted with the participation of 951 hospital employees that comprised the doctors, nurses/midwives, other healthcare professionals and administrative staff employed at two different hospitals in Turkey. ‘Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ)’ developed by Kessler et al. (2003) was used as the data collection tool. The results indicated greater absenteeism in healthcare professionals aged 30 and under, married employees, female employees, nurses/midwives, university hospital staff and employees with a maximum of 5 years of service. The unscheduled absences and the cost of absenteeism were calculated as 11.52 days and 2372.46 TRY per employee per year. The study results emphasised the significance of unscheduled absenteeism in hospitals and its financial consequences. Hospital administrators could develop effective solutions by analysing the underlying causes.

Is Active Commuting to Work Related to Work Performance Among Male Office Workers?

This study aimed to elucidate the association between active commuting to work (ACW) and work performance among male office workers. This cross-sectional study included 331 male office workers (age 44.0 ± 11.5 years), with ACW assessed on a self-reported questionnaire and then categorized into non-ACW (0 to 19 minutes) and ACW (≥20 minutes). Work performance [World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ)] was categorized as high (≥50) and low (<50). Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between ACW and HPQ. We found that 42.2% respondents adopted ACW. After adjusting for demographic data, lifestyle factors, and depressive symptoms, ACW was significantly associated with high HPQ (odds ratio: 2.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.30 to 4.54). In male office workers, ACW was independently associated with higher work performance.

Validity and test-retest reliability of an at-work production loss instrument.

Besides causing ill health, a poor work environment may contribute to production loss. Production loss assessment instruments emphasize health-related consequences but there is no instrument to measure reduced work performance related to the work environment. To examine convergent validity and test-retest reliability of health-related production loss (HRPL) and work environment-related production loss (WRPL) against a valid comparable instrument, the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ). Cross-sectional study of employees, not on sick leave, who were asked to self-rate their work performance and production losses. Using the Pearson correlation and Bland and Altman's Test of Agreement, convergent validity was examined. Subgroup analyses were performed for employees recording problem-specific reduced work performance. Consistency of pairs of HRPL and WRPL for samples responding to both assessments was expressed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and tests of repeatability. A total of 88 employees participated and 44 responded to both assessments. Test of agreement between measurements estimates a mean difference of 0.34 for HRPL and -0.03 for WRPL compared with work performance. This indicates that the production loss questions are valid and moderately associated with work performance for the total sample and subgroups. ICC for paired HRPL assessments was 0.90 and 0.91 for WRPL, i.e. the test-retest reliability was good and suggests stability in the instrument. HRPL and WRPL can be used to measure production loss due to health-related and work environment-related problems. These results may have implications for advancing methods of assessing production loss, which represents an important cost to employers.

Content validity of global measures for at-work productivity in patients with rheumatic diseases: an international qualitative study.

To identify from a patient's perspective, difficulties and differences in the comprehension of five global presenteeism measures in patients with inflammatory arthritis and OA across seven countries. Seventy patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis or OA in paid employment were recruited from seven countries across Europe and Canada. Patients were randomly allocated to be cognitively debriefed on 3/5 global measures [Work Productivity Scale - Rheumatoid Arthritis, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI), Work Ability Index, Quality and Quantity questionnaire, and WHO Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ)], with the WPAI debriefed in all patients as a standard measure of comparison between countries and patients. NVivo was used to code the data into four themes: construct and anchor, time recall, reference frame, and attribution. Discrepancies were found in the interpretation of the word performance (HPQ) between countries, with Romania and Sweden relating performance to sports rather than work. Seventy percent of patients considered that a 7-day recall (WPAI) can accurately represent how their disease affects work productivity. The compared to normal reference (Quality and Quantity questionnaire) was reportedly too ambiguous, and the comparison with colleagues (HPQ), made many feel uncomfortable. Overall, 29% of patients said the WPAI was the most relevant to them, making it the most favoured measure. Overall, patients across countries agree that the construct of work productivity in the last 7 days can accurately reflect the impact of disease while at work. Some current constructs to assess at-work productivity are not interchangeable between languages.

The Association between Meditation Practice and Job Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Many previous studies have shown that meditation practice has a positive impact on cognitive and non-cognitive functioning, which are related to job performance. Thus, the aims of this study were to (1) estimate the prevalence of meditation practice, (2) identify the characteristics of individuals who practice meditation, and (3) examine the association between meditation practice and job performance. Two population-based, cross-sectional surveys were conducted. In study 1, we examined the prevalence of meditation practice and the characteristics of the persons practicing meditation; in Study 2, we examined the association between meditation practice and job performance. The outcome variables included work engagement, subjective job performance, and job satisfaction. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale was used to assess work engagement, the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) was used to measure subjective job performance, and a scale developed by the Japanese government was used to assess job satisfaction. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used in Study 2. Demographic characteristics and behavioral risk factors were included as covariates in the analyses. The results of Study 1 indicated that 3.9% of persons surveyed (n = 30,665) practiced meditation; these individuals were younger and had a higher education, higher household income, higher stress level, and lower body mass index than those who did not practice meditation. The results of Study 2 (n = 1,470) indicated that meditation practice was significantly predictive of work engagement (β = 0.112, p < .001), subjective job performance (β = 0.116, p < .001), and job satisfaction (β = 0.079, p = .002), even after adjusting for covariates (β = 0.083, p < .001; β = 0.104, p < .001; β = 0.060, p = .015, respectively). The results indicate that meditation practice may positively influence job performance, including job satisfaction, subjective job performance, and work engagement.

Excess cost of non-remission among outpatients with major depressive disorder.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the economic benefit of achieving remission among outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who are currently employed in Korea.MethodsCross-sectional observational study. A total of 337 outpatients with MDD with paid jobs were recruited from 14 psychiatric clinics in Korea and were then divided into three groups as follows: new visit group (n = 128), remitted group (n = 100) and non-remitted group (n = 109). The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to decide whether a patient should be assigned to the remitted or non-remitted group. Direct medical and non-medical costs were measured via interview with the subjects. The World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) were applied in order to measure the lost productive time (LPT) and related productivity costs.ResultsThe three groups did not show a significant difference in direct medical cost. However, the difference between the remitted group and non-remitted group was statistically significant (25.49 ± 52.99 vs. 44.79 ± 126.55, χ2 = 12.99, p = 0.0015). The remitted group demonstrated a significant improvement in productivity (particularly presenteeism) when compared with the new visit group (Z = −3.29, p = 0.001). Although the non-remitted group received treatment at psychiatric clinics similar to the remitted group, it lost 33 more working hours per month, which is compatible to $332 per month.ConclusionThese results suggest the economic importance of achieving remission in treating depression.

Impairment of work productivity in panic disorder patients

BackgroundPanic disorder (PD) has a critical impact on productivity at the workplace. This study aimed to identify the lost productivity time (LPT) for patients with PD. It also assessed change in LPT for patients with PD after 12 weeks of treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), compared with healthy controls. MethodsWorking patients diagnosed with PD without other major medical or psychiatric illness were enrolled at outpatient psychiatric clinics (N=108). Age and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited through advertisement (N=108). Health and productivity, PD symptoms, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Korean version of the World Health Organization's Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ), the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS), and the Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression (HAM-D), respectively at baseline, week 4, and week 12. ResultsAt baseline, the PD group showed significantly higher LPT compared to the control group (103.02 vs. 47.28h in the past 4 weeks). After 12 weeks of treatment, the PD group displayed significant clinical improvement as well as improved productivity with a marked reduction in LPT. Among the patients who completed the treatment, LPT due to PD was reduced from 104.38 to 55.15h in the past 4 weeks. LimitationsThere may be selection bias due to case-control study design. ConclusionsThese data suggest that, after the treatment, there was significant improvement in clinical symptoms, and that productivity loss due to PD was almost entirely recovered to the level of healthy controls after 12 weeks of psychiatric outpatient treatment.

Exploring the Validity of HPQ-Based Presenteeism Measures to Estimate Productivity Losses in the Health and Education Sectors

Illness-related presenteeism (suboptimal work performance) may be a significant factor in worker productivity. Until now, there has been no generally accepted best method of measuring presenteeism across different industries and occupations. This study sought to validate the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ)-based measure of presenteeism across occupations and industries and assess the most appropriate method for data analysis. . Work performance was measured using the modified version of the HPQ conducted in workforce samples from the education and health workforce in Queensland, Australia (N = 30,870) during 2005 and 2006. Three approaches to data analysis of presenteeism measures were assessed using absolute performance, the ratio of own performance to others' performance, and the difference between others' and own performance. The best measure is judged by its sensitivity to changes in health indicators. . The measure that best correlated to health indicators was absolute presenteeism. For example, in the health sector, correlations between physical health status and absolute presenteeism were 4 to 5 times greater than the ratio or difference approaches, and in the education sector, these correlations were twice as large. Using this approach, the estimated cost of presenteeism in 2006 was $Aus8338 and $Aus8092 per worker per annum for the health and education sectors, respectively. . The HPQ is a valid measure of presenteeism. Transforming responses by perceived performance of peers is unnecessary as absolute presenteeism correlated best with health indicators. Absolute presenteeism was more insightful for ascertaining the cost of presenteeism.

English

&nbsp; Investing in farm safety is a win-win game. Apart from improving the financial bottom line of a farm business, it increases and improves the labour productivity of farm workers, which in turn improve agricultural sector. Consequently, agricultural accidents place a great burden on the economy resulting in reduced return on investment (ROI) in agriculture and the burden of injuries/illness (BOI) is increased. This impedes efficiency of the workers, decreased agricultural output and profitability. The dearth of information on the economic relationship of farm safety and ROI, especially in agriculture with focus on a developing country like Nigeria stimulated this research by assessing the economic implication of farm safety practices on agriculture in Nigeria. 100 respondents with agriculture as primary occupation were randomly selected from farming households in Ibadan, Nigeria. Health and work performance questionnaire (HPQ), work limitation questionnaire and interview schedule were adopted for data collection. The research&nbsp;revealed that about 80 and 75% of the respondents had severe wrist/hand injury and lower back pain, respectively which are work related. 63% of the respondents on average have been prevented from doing their work as a result of occupational injuries and illness which leads to lost time, restricted work cases and fatalities leading to production loss. Also, 80% of the respondents do not use any form of personal protective equipment (PPE). Inadequate information and awareness coupled with cost implication were ranked highest on the farm safety adoption constraint list.&nbsp;Thus, information dissemination on farm safety, a subsidized well implemented farm safety programme and farm accident record keeping are recommended. &nbsp; Key words: Nigeria, farm safety, economics.

Adaptação transcultural e validação do World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire para enfermeiros brasileiros

Study aiming to cross-culturally adapt the instrument Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version for nurses. The adaptation process followed the Process of Translation of World Health Organization. Data for the evaluation of the psychometric properties were collected in a teaching public hospital of Ribeirão Preto in 2011. The evaluated psychometric properties were: face validity and content (group of experts), reliability by Cronbach's alpha and test-retest stability. In the evaluation of psychometric properties, the internal consistency of the HPQ adapted version, Cronbach's alpha was 0.94 for the section A and 0.86 for section B of the instrument. In analyzing the agreement of test-retest stability, the agreements were positive and statistically significant. Thus, the HPQ adapted version proved valid and reliable in the sample studied.