Health-related Productivity Loss Research Articles

Association Between Suboptimal Health Status and Health-Related Productivity Loss in Primary Healthcare Workers in China: a Cross-Sectional Survey.

This study aimed to clarify the association between suboptimal health status and health-related productivity loss among primary healthcare workers in China. A field questionnaire survey was conducted with a multistage sampling among primary healthcare workers. The data on sub-health and health-related productivity loss were collected using the Sub-health Measurement Scale Version 1.0 and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: General Health, respectively. Ordinary least squares regression was used to evaluate the association of the suboptimal health and health-related productivity loss. Subgroup analyses were performed by occupation (physician and nurse). Front-line primary healthcare workers (N = 1709) from 31 provinces in China responded to the survey. Of all participants, 73.43% experienced suboptimal health. The status of being in physical suboptimal health (Coef. = 0.050, p < 0.001, 95% CI = [0.031,0.070]) and mental suboptimal health (Coef. = 0.040, p < 0.001, 95% CI = [0.020,0.059]) status exerted significant effect on the extent of health-related productivity loss among primary healthcare workers in China. Nurses in social adaptation suboptimal health status (Coef. = 0.030, p = 0.027, 95% CI = [0.003,0.057]) had significant effect on health-related productivity loss. The prevalence of suboptimal health is high among the respondents. Providing support for primary healthcare workers from bio-psycho-social aspects is an effective measure to promote their occupational health and improve their productivity.

Mediating effect of sleep quality on the association between job stress and health-related productivity loss among workers in R&D enterprises in Shanghai.

Past research indicates that occupational stress negatively predicts health-related productivity. Simultaneously, sleep problem among workers may stem from job stress, subsequently leading to a decline in sleep quality and resulting in reduced health productivity. Therefore, this study aims to idenitify whether the sleep quality of employees functions as a mediator in the process through which job stress impacts health productivity. This study aimed to assess the status and analyze differences in quality of sleep, job stress, and health-related productivity loss (HRPL) among workers in research and development (R&D) enterprises in Minhang District, Shanghai. We also assessed the mediating effect of sleep quality on the relationship between job stress and HRPL. A total of 3,216 workers in R&D firms aged between 18 and 60 years participated in this study (mean age 35.15 years; standard deviation 8.44; male-to-female ratio≈2:1). The Nakata Insomnia Questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire revised edition, and the Chinese version of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire were used in this study. And the Kruskal-Wallis test, Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis, and Path Analysis were utilized for data analysis in this study. There were significant differences in the positive detection rate of insomnia among participants according to age, educational level, marital status, position, length of service, and level of financial difficulties (all P < 0.05). We also found significant differences in the positive detection rate of HRPL among participants according to age, marital status, length of service, and level of financial difficulties (all P < 0.05); participants with insomnia scored higher for HRPL than those without insomnia (6.00 vs. 4.20, P < 0.001). Additionally, participants with job stress problems had higher HRPL than those without these issues (7.00 vs. 4.20, P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that sleep quality plays a mediating role between job stress and HRPL (all P < 0.05). Occupational health professionals must pay particular attention to job stress, sleep quality, and their influencing factors to positively influence the wellbeing of workers while improving productivity.

The physical activity paradox in relation to work ability and health-related productivity loss in Korea.

The physical activity paradox suggests that occupational physical activity (OPA), unlike leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), may detrimentally impact health. We explored the relationships of OPA and LTPA with work ability (WA) and health-related productivity loss (HRPL). This study included 5,501 workers in Korea who were recruited in 2021 through a web-based cross-sectional questionnaire. The questionnaire was utilized to quantify OPA and LTPA in metabolic equivalents, while WA and HRPL were also measured. Non-parametric regression, using a generalized additive model (GAM), was employed to visualize the relationships of LTPA and OPA with WA and HRPL. Mean differences in WA and HRPL, in relation to OPA and LTPA, were examined using linear regression models. These models were adjusted for covariates including sex, age, body mass index, education level, alcohol consumption, smoking history, insomnia, occupation, hours worked, and income. The GAM and linear regression analyses revealed that higher LTPA corresponded with higher WA and lower HRPL. In contrast, as OPA increased, WA decreased and HRPL increased. However, within the group with high OPA, HRPL was not significantly lower in the high-LTPA subgroup relative to the low-LTPA subgroup (mean difference=1.92%, p=0.343). This pattern was especially pronounced among workers aged 60 years and older, with an increase in HRPL observed with increasing LTPA among the respondents with high OPA. High LTPA levels were associated with elevated WA and diminished HRPL. In contrast, higher levels of OPA were associated with lower WA and higher HRPL.

Presenteeism Reloaded – We Need a Revised Presenteeism Approach

Presenteeism Reloaded – We Need a Revised Presenteeism Approach

Impact of hearing impairment and cochlear implantation on productivity and social well-being in a professionally active but severely hearing-impaired group: protocol of the ‘Hear again, work again’ longitudinal prospective cohort study

IntroductionSevere hearing loss is a sensory deficit with considerable impact on the patient’s daily life and on society. Previous research has established occupational obstacles in professionally active patients with hearing...

The Socioeconomic Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Analysis of Direct and Indirect Health Care Costs

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with substantial costs to society. Extensive data on direct costs (health care consumption) and indirect costs (health-related productivity loss) are lacking. Hence, we examined the socioeconomic costs of IBS and assessed which patient characteristics are associated with higher costs. Cross-sectional data from 3 Rome-defined Dutch IBS patient cohorts (n= 419) were collected. Bootstrapped mean direct and indirect costs were evaluated per patient with IBS using validated questionnaires (ie, medical cost questionnaire and productivity cost questionnaire, respectively). Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with higher costs. Quarterly mean total costs per patient were €2.156 (95% confidence interval (CI), €1793-€2541 [$2444]), consisting of €802 (95% CI, €625-€1010 [$909]) direct costs and €1.354 (95% CI, €1072-€1670 [$1535]) indirect costs. Direct costs consisted primarily of health care professional consultations, with costs related to gastrointestinal clinic visits accounting for 6% and costs related to mental health care visits for 20%. Higher direct costs were significantly associated with older age (P= .007), unemployment (P= .001), IBS subtypes other than constipation (P= .033), lower disease-specific quality of life (P= .027), and more severe depressive symptoms (P= .001). Indirect costs consisted of absenteeism (45%), presenteeism (42%), and productivity loss related to unpaid labor (13%) and were significantly associated with the male sex (P= .014) and more severe depressive symptoms (P= .047). Productivity loss is the main contributor to the socioeconomic burden of IBS. Direct costs were not predominantly related to gastrointestinal care, but rather to mental health care. Awareness of the nature of costs and contributing patient factors should lead to significant socioeconomic benefits for society.

Mediating effect of sleep quality on occupational stress and health-related productivity loss in programmers of an Internet enterprise in Shanghai

Mediating effect of sleep quality on occupational stress and health-related productivity loss in programmers of an Internet enterprise in Shanghai

Cost of Health-Related Work Productivity Loss among Fly-In Fly-Out Mining Workers in Australia.

Sufficient knowledge on the work productivity impact of the health of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the mining sector in Australia is lacking. This study examined the impact of health and lifestyle behaviours on the work productivity of FIFO workers in the mining industry in Australia. FIFO workers completed an online questionnaire on health and work productivity loss measures. Linear regressions were used to model annual work productivity losses through absenteeism, presenteeism and total productivity loss. Workers with a high risk for health conditions were, on average, associated with 3.87% more productivity loss (absenteeism: 1.27% and presenteeism: 2.88%) than those with low risk. Workers who had multiple health risks classified as medium (3–4 health conditions) and high (5 or more health conditions) reported 1.75% and 7.46% more total productivity loss, respectively, than those with fewer multiple health risks (0–2 health conditions). Health conditions were estimated to account for an annual additional productivity cost due to absenteeism of AUD 8.82 million, presenteeism of AUD 14.08 million and a total productivity loss of AUD 20.96 million per 1000 workers. FIFO workers with high health risks experience more absenteeism, presenteeism and overall productivity loss. These measures provide strong economic justifications that could support the need for targeted workplace health interventions.

Estimating Productivity Loss from Breast and Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer among Working-Age Patients and Unpaid Caregivers: A Survey Study Using the Multiplier Method.

Background. Traditional approaches to capturing health-related productivity loss (e.g., the human capital method) focus only on the foregone wages of affected patients, overlooking the losses caregivers can incur. This study estimated the burden of productivity loss among breast cancer (BC) and non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and individuals caring for such patients using an augmented multiplier method. Design. A cross-sectional survey of BC and NSCLC patients and caregivers measured loss associated with time absent from work (absenteeism) and reduced effectiveness (presenteeism). Respondents reported pre- and postcancer diagnosis income, hours worked, and time to complete tasks. Exploratory multivariable analyses examined correlations between respondents’ clinical/demographic characteristics—including industry of employment—and postdiagnosis productivity. Results. Of 204 patients (104 BC, 100 NSCLC) and 200 caregivers (100 BC, 100 NSCLC) who completed the survey, 319 participants (162 BC, 157 NSCLC) working ≥40 wk/y prediagnosis were included in the analysis. More than one-third of the NSCLC (33%) and BC (43%) patients left the workforce postdiagnosis, whereas only 15% of caregivers did. The traditional estimate for the burden of productivity loss was 66% lower on average than the augmented estimate (NSCLC patients: 60%, BC patients: 69%, NSCLC caregivers: 59%, and BC caregivers: 73%). Conclusions. Although patients typically experience greater absenteeism, productivity loss incurred by caregivers is also substantial. Failure to account for such impacts can result in substantial underestimation of productivity gains novel cancer treatments may confer by enabling patients and caregivers to remain in the workforce longer. Our results underscore the importance of holistic approaches to understanding this impact on both patients and their caregivers and accounting for such considerations when making decisions about treatment and treatment value.HighlightsCancer can have a profound impact on productivity. This study demonstrates how the disease affects not only patients but also the informal or unpaid individuals who care for patients.An augmented approach to calculating health-related productivity loss suggests that productivity impacts are much larger than previously understood.A more comprehensive understanding of the economic burden of cancer for both patients and their caregivers suggests the need for more support in the workplace for these individuals and a holistic approach to accounting for these impacts in treatment decision making.

Poster 132: Long Term Outcomes of Distal Biceps Injuries: A Comparative Study of Surgical and Non-operative Management at a Mean Follow Up of 13 years

Objectives:Distal biceps tendon tears, although rare, significantly impair patient’s elbow mobility and function. There is a paucity of contemporary literature reporting long term outcomes of distal biceps (DB) injuries. Therefore, the authors sought to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed distal bicep tears and report on (1) patient demographics and injury characteristics of all patients with distal bicep pathology, (2) outcomes of all patients with non-operatively managed DB pathology, and (3) outcomes of all patients with operatively managed DB pathology.Methods:Patients with an MRI-confirmed distal biceps rupture from 1996 to 2016 were identified through an institutional image database. Patients from the initial search were then cross-referenced with the [REDACTED]1 to ensure record availability. Patients were included if they had complete medical records and ≥5 years of clinical follow-up. Patients with inflammatory arthritis and enthesitis, polytrauma, or incidental findings without clinical assessment were excluded. Medical records were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of distal biceps tears and obtain further subject details.Results:A total of 158 patients (22 female, 136 male) with a mean age 51.5 years (44.8-61.2) were identified and included. Baseline patient demographics including BMI, smoking status, dominant-handedness, laborer occupation, and gender were gathered (Table 1). Patients had a mean clinical follow-up of almost 14 years (Table 1, range 8.4 -17.8). Outcomes of the 52 non-operative and 106 operatively managed patients, included severe complications, functional outcomes, and health-related productivity loss are reported in Table 2. There were 7 re-operations (4%), 5 re-ruptures (3%), and overall 35% of the operatively treated cohort experienced a complication.Conclusions:Patients with distal bicep pathology tended to be a male laborer in their 50s without clinically significantly associated risk factors. The majority of patients regained full ROM, and 83% were able to return to work without modifications, irregardless of operative or non-operative management. At long term follow up, patients treated operatively were more likely to report missing time from work and averaged more days missed than their non-operatively treated counterparts. Additionally, operative patients had no statistically significant gains functional outcomes, and were subject to potential post-operative complications. Surgeon bias may play a role in deciding treatment for distal biceps tears. As such, careful patient selection for surgical intervention for distal biceps pathology should be employed; surgeons should consider restricting surgical intervention to patients who have significant clinical symptoms or fail non-operative management.Table 1.Patient Demographics and Clinical CharacteristicsTable 2.Outcomes for Operative and Non-Operative Patients.

Environmental thiocyanate exposure was associated with oral health-related productivity loss among US adults: results from NHANES.

The aim of this study is to examine the environmental exposure to perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate and their associations with oral health-related productivity loss (PL) in general population. A total of 13,554 participants were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate were measured using ion chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were performed to explore the associations between urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate with the prevalence of PL. Restricted cubic splines were used to explore the nonlinearity. There are 636 PL cases. There was higher urinary level of thiocyanate in PL group. We found that compared with the lowest quartile, thiocyanate was associated with PL (odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval [0.53, 0.98]; p = 0.039) in the highest quartile. Restricted cubic spines reveled that urinary thiocyanate was L-shaped associated with PL with the infection point of 1.35. Urinary thiocyanate was L-shaped associated with PL with the infection point of 1.35.

The Association Between Organizational Justice and Health-Related Productivity Loss Among Korean Employees.

To investigate the association between organizational justice (OJ) and health-related productivity loss (HRPL) among Korean employees. From January 6, 2020 to February 18, 2020, data were collected using a web-based questionnaire. This study measured HRPL using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: General Health version. Procedural and interactional justice were measured using the Korean organizational justice questionnaire. Generalized linear models were used for estimating productivity loss based on tertiles of OJ levels, while the productivity loss of employees in low OJ categories was used as a reference group. The nonparametric associations between the OJ levels and the overall HRPL level were observed. High levels of OJ significantly reduced HRPL. Our results support the hypothesis that high OJ is associated with improved labor productivity.

Serial-Multiple Mediation of Job Burnout and Fatigue in the Relationship Between Sickness Presenteeism and Productivity Loss in Nurses: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Background:In China, sickness presenteeism, job burnout, and fatigue are common among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. We propose the prevalence of sickness presenteeism can adversely affect nurses' physical and mental health, negatively impact their work productivity and quality, and pose a threat to patients' safety. Therefore, this study examines the mechanism of productivity loss caused by sickness presenteeism, fatigue, and job burnout.Objectives:To investigate the serial-multiple mediating effect of job burnout and fatigue in the relationship between sickness presenteeism and productivity loss among nurses.Methods:A multicenter cross-sectional survey was undertaken by administering an online questionnaire from December 2020 to May 2021. Stratified cluster sampling was used to include 3,491 nurses from 14 hospitals in Shandong Province, China. Variables were measured using the Sickness Presenteeism Questionnaire, Stanford Presenteeism Scale, Chalder Fatigue Scale, and Maslach Burnout Inventory. Data analyses were carried out using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, independent-samples t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, hierarchical regression, and bootstrapping method.Results:From the 3,491 nurses who volunteered in this online survey, only 2,968 valid questionnaires were returned. Sickness presenteeism exhibited a prevalence of 70.6% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The average score of health-related productivity loss was 15.05 ± 4.52, fatigue was 8.48 ± 3.40, and job burnout was 39.14 ± 19.64. Sickness presenteeism was positively associated with fatigue and job burnout while job burnout was positively associated with nurse fatigue. Sickness presenteeism, fatigue, and job burnout were also positively correlated with health-related productivity loss. Statistically significant paths via the single mediation of fatigue and job burnout were established. A statistically significant serial-multiple mediating effect of fatigue and job burnout on the association between sickness presenteeism and productivity loss accounted for 35.12% of the total effect size.Conclusions:There was a high incidence of sickness presenteeism and job burnout among Chinese nurses. High-frequency sickness presenteeism may result in increased productivity loss through the two mediating effects of fatigue and job burnout. Sickness presenteeism may increase fatigue, promote job burnout, and result in increased productivity loss among Chinese nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Systematic review of productivity loss among healthcare workers due to Covid-19.

ObjectiveTo assess existing evidence on the effects of COVID‐19 on healthcare workers (HCWs) using the health‐related productivity loss approach.MethodsA systematic search of online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Web of Science, and EMBASE was conducted up to 25 August 2020. Following two screening stages, studies related to the effects of COVID‐19 on healthcare workers were included in the study.Results82 studies were included in the analysis. The COVID‐19 related death rate among HCWs ranged from 0.00‐0.7%, while the positive test incidence varied between 0.00 and 24.4%. 39 evidences assessed psychological disorders. A wide range of psychological disorders observed among HCWs: 5.2 to 71.2% in anxiety, 1.00 to 88.3% in stress, 8.27 to 61.67% in insomnia, and 4.5 to 50.4% in depression.ConclusionsThe early evidence suggests that healthcare workers are one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to positive COVID‐19 infection, mortality, and mental illness.

Factors associated with oral pain and oral health-related productivity loss in the USA, National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), 2015-2018.

BackgroundOur aim was to identify clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with oral pain and oral health-related productivity loss among US adults.MethodsWe included adults aged ≥30 years who completed the dental examination, had at least one natural tooth, and provided an answer about their oral pain experience or oral health-related productivity loss in the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition and Examination Survey (NHANES). We performed descriptive analyses and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses on weighted data.ResultsOne out of four adults had oral pain and 4% reported oral health-related productivity loss occasionally or often within the last year of the survey. The odds of oral pain were higher among non-Hispanic black (OR = 1.35; 95%CI = 1.08–1.62) and non-Hispanic Asian individuals (OR = 1.38; 95%CI = 1.07–1.78) compared to non-Hispanic white individuals, and individuals with untreated dental caries (OR = 2.06; 95%CI = 1.72–2.47). The odds for oral health-related productivity loss were 13.85 times higher among individuals who reported oral pain (95%CI = 8.07–23.77), and 2.18 times higher among individuals with untreated dental caries (95%CI = 1.65–2.89). The odds of oral pain and reported oral health-related productivity loss decreased as family income increased.ConclusionsFactors including non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity, lower socio-economic status, and untreated dental caries are associated with oral pain experience, which increases the odds of oral health-related productivity losses. Identifying factors associated with oral pain and productivity loss will enable clinicians, policymakers, and employers to proactively target and prioritize the higher-risk groups in early interventions and policies.

Health-Related Productivity Loss According to Health Conditions among Workers in South Korea.

This study aimed to investigate the degree of health-related productivity loss (HRPL) for common health conditions. A total of 4197 workers participated in a web-based questionnaire survey from January to February 2020. HRPL was measured using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, and a difference in HRPL was calculated for each common health condition. The burden of productivity loss due to each health condition was calculated by the product of the difference in HRPL scores and the percentage of participants who complained. The health conditions most strongly associated with increased HRPL were infertility treatment (30.6%), osteoporosis (25.9%), cancer (25.3%), gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer (25.0%) and anaemia (23.9%). The most important health conditions in order of their magnitude of induced burden of productivity loss were fatigue, neck or shoulder pain, insufficient sleep, back pain, headache, common cold and flu, insomnia, anxiety and diarrhoea or constipation. HRPL is more strongly and importantly associated with the aforementioned health conditions. Occupational health managers should prioritise addressing health conditions strongly and importantly associated with HRPL when implementing health promotion programmes.

Time Pressure and Health-Related Loss of Productivity in University Students: The Mediating Role of Exhaustion.

Introduction: Being present at work when sick is not just prevalent in employees. Since university is also a demanding context, there is a growing interest in this phenomenon in university students. Especially students with mental health issues show a higher degree of productivity loss. However, little research has examined the causes of these productivity losses—especially in university students. Therefore, we examined health-related (burnout) and non-health-related (time pressure) aspects that lead to productivity losses in the long run.Methods: We decided to examine the effect from time pressure on health-related loss of productivity, mediated by exhaustion. This assumption is in line with the health impairment process proposed by the Study Demands-Resources (SD-R) framework. To examine this assumption properly, we conducted a longitudinal study with three occasions. We surveyed 392 students in three waves over 1 year and performed structural equation modeling (SEM) to confirm the assumptions longitudinally.Results: In line with our assumptions, time pressure predicted burnout which, in turn, predicted health-related loss of productivity in the long run. Hence—as assumed by the SD-R framework—burnout serves as a mediator between study demands and negative outcomes such as loss of productivity.Discussion: Our study is the first that uncovers health-related and non-health-related causes of health-related productivity loss in university students. Thus, we were able to confirm SD-R's health impairment process longitudinally. Since we know that time pressure serves as a major antecedent for burnout and health-related loss of productivity, we are well-advised to establish appropriate interventions to reduce students' time pressure.

The Association between Shift Work and Health-Related Productivity Loss due to Either Sickness Absence or Reduced Performance at Work: A Cross-Sectional Study of Korea.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between shift work and health-related productivity loss (HRPL) due to either sickness absence or reduced performance at work. Methods: From January 2020 to February 2020, data were collected using the web-based questionnaire. Workers in Korea (n = 4197) were selected with the convenience sampling method. To evaluate HRPL, the Korean version of the “Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire” was used. The nonparametric association between shift work and HRPL was determined. To estimate productivity loss by shift work, generalised linear models were used, and the productivity loss of workers who did not do shift work was used as the reference. Contrasts between the reference (non-shift work) and shift work, including the shift work subtype, were demonstrated. In the adjusted model, age, gender, and occupation were included as covariates. To test whether there were differences in this association by gender, a gender-stratified analysis was conducted. Results: Shift work significantly reduced productivity (2.5% points; 95% CI: 0.2–4.6). The fixed night shift had the largest productivity loss (7.7% points; 95% CI: 1.8–13.7), and the relationship between HRPL and shift work was more prominent among female workers. Conclusions: Shift work is related to an increase in HRPL, and there are gender differences in this association. Our study further indicated that a fixed night shift is most detrimental to workers’ health and productivity.

The impact of a cancer diagnosis on worker productivity: Results from a survey of cancer patients and caregivers.

144 Background: Traditional approaches to capturing health-related productivity loss--e.g. the human capital method--focus only on the foregone wages of affected patients, overlooking the losses caregivers can incur. Thus, the value of lost productivity is often underestimated. This study comprehensively estimates and describes work-related productivity losses due to a cancer diagnosis among working-age (18-65) breast cancer (BC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and their unpaid caregivers in the United States. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of BC and NSCLC patients and caregivers measured loss associated with time absent from work (absenteeism) and reduced effectiveness (presenteeism). Respondents reported pre- and post-cancer diagnosis income, hours worked, and time to complete tasks. Exploratory multivariable analyses examined correlations between respondents’ clinical and demographic characteristics—including industry of employment—and post-diagnosis productivity. Results: Of 204 patients (104 BC, 100 NSCLC) and 200 caregivers (100 BC, 100 NSCLC) who completed the survey, 319 participants (162 BC, 157 NSCLC) working ≥40 weeks/year pre-diagnosis were included in the analysis. Over a third of the NSCLC (33%) and BC (43%) patients left the workforce post-diagnosis, whereas 15% of caregivers left. Estimated mean annual productivity loss equaled $125,975 ($50,328 using traditional method) for NSCLC patients and $120,404 ($37,445 using traditional method) for BC. For caregivers, estimated mean annual productivity loss was $97,062 ($39,751 using traditional method) for NSCLC and $123,669 ($33,410 using traditional method) for BC. Exploratory analyses found that greater patient age and later stage at diagnosis were correlated with greater absenteeism. Conclusions: Although patients typically experience greater absenteeism, productivity loss incurred by caregivers is also substantial. Our results underscore the importance of holistic approaches to understanding the broad impact of cancer on both patients and their caregivers.

Can the Workplace Limitations Questionnaire Capture Short-term Productivity Losses in Acute Distal Radius Fractures Treated With Operative Fixation Versus Cast Immobilization in the Working Population?

Background: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) contribute substantially to overall morbidity in the elderly population. We believe that accurately capturing total productivity losses is vital to understanding the true economic impact of these injuries in working patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective nonrandomized cohort study and enrolled working patients with DRF treated with either casting or operative fixation. We administered the Workplace Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ, Tufts Medical Center) at the first visit following injury and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months after definitive treatment. The WLQ measures the degree to which employed individuals are experiencing limitations on-the-job due to their health problems and estimates health-related productivity loss. We also calculated the monetary value of work time lost at market value in US dollars. The treatment groups were analyzed for statistical similarity using Student t tests. Results: A total of 30 patients met our study's inclusion criteria. The WLQ index score trended downward in both groups across all time points and was lower in the operative cohort compared with the nonoperative cohort at 6 weeks (1.4% vs 12.9% productivity loss, P = .17). The monetary value of work time lost trended downward across all time points and was lower in the operative cohort compared with the nonoperative cohort ($200.21 vs $2846.90, P = .12). Conclusions: In this pilot study, we successfully applied the WLQ to working patients treated for DRF. The WLQ is effective in capturing short-term productivity losses following DRF and may suggest a decreased at-work burden among patients treated with operative fixation compared with casting.