Self-reported Work Productivity Research Articles

Anti-IL-5/anti-IL-5Rα treatment improves self-reported work productivity in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma – a prospective cohort trial

BackgroundSevere Asthma affects working life of millions of people worldwide. IL-5/anti-IL-5Rα antibodies are highly effective in reducing symptoms in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA). We analysed effects of anti-IL-5/anti-IL-5Rα treatment on self-reported productivity and absenteeism at work in patients with SEA.MethodsIn this prospective single centre study, patients with SEA received a questionnaire assessing the actual occupational status, the influence asthma has on their work life, productivity and missed days at work prior to initiation of antibody treatment and after 6 and 12 months of therapy. Among others the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem (WPAI:SHP) was used.ResultsOut of 54 patients with a median age of 60 years, 27 (50%) were employed. In addition to an increase in asthma control and lung function, self-reported productivity increased significantly with a decrease on the WPAI:SHP from 30% [IQR 20–50] to 10% [IQR 0–27.5] under treatment, p=0.001. Furthermore, self-reported missed days at work were reduced from 2 missed days/month (IQR 1.75–6) to 0 days (IQR 0–2), p=0.067. At baseline 22 (81%) employed patients stated to be negatively affected at work by their asthma, after 12 months of treatment, this number decreased to 8 (30%), p=0.038.ConclusionsThis prospective analysis could prove the substantial impact severe asthma has on patients’ working life. Anti-IL-5/anti-IL-5Rα treatment in patients with SEA leads to a significant increase of self-reported productivity at work and after 12 months of treatment patients state substantially fewer negative effects on their working situation.

Racial/Ethnic and Socioeconomic Disparities and Self-reported Work Productivity in Urinary Incontinence Females Using the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Data

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities and self-reported work productivity in urinary incontinence females. MethodThis was a retrospective observational and secondary analysis of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases database trials. We included females with stress urinary incontinence and ≥ 21 years old. The primary outcome was self-reported work productivity evaluated using a proportional-odds regression model. A backward elimination method was utilized to create a final reduced model. The socioeconomic predictors were age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, personal income, and language. ResultsWe included 1252 participants with a median age of 52 years old. Whites accounted for 76.2% of total participants, while Hispanics constituted 11.4% only. Work productivity of Hispanic or non-Hispanic other group was greatly affected compared to whites (OR: 1.771, p value: 0.0008 and OR:1.592, p value= 0.0231 respectively). Work productivity of patients with higher education was less affected compared to less educated patients. Married females were less likely to report being greatly affected in work productivity than non-married females (OR 0.663, p-value 0.0005). Age, income, and language were not predictive of the outcome variable in the final model. ConclusionOur finding showed that racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities play an important role in individuals’ work productivity. Future research is needed to the influence of social determinants of health not captured by racial and socioeconomic factors.

Impact of commuting time on self-reported work productivity: A quasi-longitudinal examination

Commuting is a fundamental aspect of daily life that profoundly influences work productivity. Despite extensive research in this area, findings are often inconclusive, primarily due to methodological limitations such as cross-sectional designs. Addressing these gaps, our study adopts a quasi-longitudinal approach to examine the causal effects of commuting time on self-reported work productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Survey data from 550 white-collar employees in Greater Melbourne were collected, capturing commuting behavior and work productivity before and during the lockdown. Utilizing regression models and cross-lagged panel analyses, our study reveals a modest decline in self-reported job performance and working hours during the lockdown, with notable variations among respondents. Interestingly, individuals with longer pre-pandemic commutes reported improved job performance and increased working hours while working from home. However, a significant decrease in self-reported work productivity was observed among female employees with young children, underscoring the critical need for childcare support during remote work arrangements. By shedding light on the intricate interplay between commuting, remote work, and self-reported productivity, our study provides valuable insights for informing workplace policies and support mechanisms.

Real world insights for psoriasis: the association of severity of skin lesions with work productivity, medical consumption costs and quality of life

Background Psoriasis is a prevalent, chronic skin disease with a potential impact on work productivity, medical consumption costs, and quality of life. The influence of the extent of skin lesions on these outcomes is not well known. Objective We determined associations of self-reported skin lesions with self-reported work productivity, medical consumption costs, and health-related quality of life in respondents with psoriasis. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we included respondents with self-reported psoriasis in the Netherlands in an online questionnaire. We assessed the self-reported percentage body surface area (BSA) of psoriasis lesions. We used validated instruments to assess work productivity (WPAI-PsO), medical consumption costs (iMCQ), and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L and the DLQI). We used ordinal logistic regression to associate BSA categories >1% versus 0-1% with outcomes adjusted for multiple confounders. Results We included 501 respondents with a mean age of 43 ± 12 years; 64% were men. Median BSA was 2% (interquartile range 1–5%). A higher BSA was associated with higher overall work impairment due to psoriasis (common odds ratio [cOR] 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40–4.29; n = 205), higher medical consumption costs (cOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.45–2.94) and lower health-related quality of life. Associations were strongest with a BSA cutoff of 0% or 1% compared to 2% or higher categories. Discussion In our study, having few to no lesions in psoriasis was associated with lower overall work impairment due to psoriasis, lower medical consumption costs, and higher health-related quality of life.

Subjective Wellbeing, Work Performance and Lived Experience of Zanzibari Women Entrepreneurs with Uncorrected Functional Presbyopia: A Pre-Post Mixed-Methods Study

ABSTRACT Purpose Uncorrected presbyopia has been shown to reduce Zanzibari women’s quality of life. In this mixed-methods study, we examined the subjective wellbeing and self-reported work performance among older women entrepreneurs with functional presbyopia before and shortly after correction, and how poor vision at close distance affected their daily lives. Methods Women entrepreneurs underwent eye examination to identify those with uncorrected functional presbyopia. Their subjective wellbeing and work performance were both measured in Cantril’s ladder. Ready-made glasses were then provided and 30 minutes to an hour later, their subjective wellbeing and work performance was remeasured. Twenty women entrepreneurs were interviewed to understand their lived experience with uncorrected presbyopia. Results Two-hundred-seventeen women entrepreneurs were included in the survey (mean age 51.6 years, SD 8.64). Women entrepreneurs had a mean subjective wellbeing score of 3.32 (SD 1.10) pre-correction and 5.99 (SD 1.13) post-correction (p < .001), and a mean self-rated current work performance score of 4.62 (SD 1.36) before correction and 5.47 (SD 1.35) post-correction (p < .001). One-hundred-and-ninety (87.6%) and 121 women entrepreneurs (55.8%) rated their current subjective wellbeing and work performance scores < 5, respectively. Around 1/4 of women entrepreneurs reported having severe difficulties with near tasks. Conclusion Poor vision at a close distance caused by uncorrected functional presbyopia negatively affected economic, physical and psychosocial aspects of women entrepreneurs’ lives. Subjective wellbeing and self-reported work productivity scores improved significantly shortly after presbyopia was corrected. More research with longer follow-up is needed to understand the full benefits of correcting presbyopia.

Working from Home during COVID-19 and Beyond: Exploring the Perceptions of Consultants in Construction

Given the construction industry’s culture of presenteeism and long work hours, construction workforce who used to working in the company workplace were affected by the sudden shift to working from home (WFH) setting due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Focusing on consultants in the Australian construction industry, this exploratory study examines: (i) individual perceptions of the impacts of WFH challenges on work activities and performance, and (ii) their self-reported work productivity, overall WFH satisfaction and future preference for WFH post-pandemic. The online survey results show that most respondents were new to the WFH arrangement. However, the evidence is suggestive that they were adapting well as demonstrated by their perceived positive impacts of most WFH challenges on their work activities and performance. The results also show that as the respondents’ self-reported work productivity increases, their overall satisfaction with WFH increases and they would welcome WFH arrangement post-pandemic, and vice versa. The female respondents demonstrated higher overall WFH satisfaction and preference for WFH post-pandemic compared to male respondents, signifying the relationship between gender and their perceptions. These findings have implications for employing organizations in addressing human resource management challenges to maximize the potential benefits of WFH practices post-pandemic.

Effects of eptinezumab on self-reported work productivity in adults with migraine and prior preventive treatment failure in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled DELIVER study

BackgroundThe multinational phase 3b DELIVER trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of eptinezumab for migraine prevention in patients with prior preventive treatment failures across 17 countries. In the placebo-controlled portion, eptinezumab relative to placebo demonstrated greater reductions in migraine and headache frequency, migraine and headache severity, and acute medication use. The objective of this report is to describe the effects of eptinezumab on self-reported work productivity in the placebo-controlled portion of DELIVER.MethodsAdults 18–75 years of age with migraine and documented evidence of 2 to 4 prior preventive treatment failures in the past 10 years were randomized to receive eptinezumab 100 mg, 300 mg, or placebo intravenously (IV) every 12 weeks. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire specific to migraine (WPAI:M), which comprises 6 items (4 of which are completed by currently employed patients only), was administered every 4 weeks. Changes from baseline in subscores (absenteeism, presenteeism, work productivity loss, and activity impairment) were calculated based on item responses. A mixed model for repeated measures was used to analyze changes from baseline in WPAI:M subscores.ResultsA total of 890 adults (mean age, 43.8 years) were included in the full analysis set (eptinezumab 100 mg, n = 299; eptinezumab 300 mg, n = 293; placebo, n = 298). Mean WPAI:M subscores at baseline indicated a negative impact of migraine attacks on work productivity and ability to complete normal daily activities. Eptinezumab improved WPAI:M subscores more than placebo at all assessment points throughout the study. Mean changes from baseline in self-reported work productivity loss were −19.5, −24.0, and −9.7 at Week 12; and −22.6, −20.2, and −7.2 at Week 24 (all P < 0.001 vs placebo) for eptinezumab 100 mg, eptinezumab 300 mg, and placebo, respectively. Mean changes from baseline in activity impairment were −21.3, −23.8, and −11.2 at Week 12; and −24.7, −22.6, and −10.1 at Week 24 (all P < 0.0001 vs placebo). Similarly, mean improvements in absenteeism and presenteeism were greater in the eptinezumab groups than in the groups receiving placebo at all timepoints (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn adults with migraine and prior preventive treatment failure, eptinezumab 100 mg and 300 mg IV every 12 weeks improved absenteeism, presenteeism, work productivity loss, and activity impairment more than placebo.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04418765); EudraCT (Identifier: 2019–004497-25) (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2019-004497-25/PL).Graphical Eptinezumab improves self-reported work productivity in patients with migraine and prior preventive treatment failures.

Changes in Perceived Work-from-Home Productivity during the Pandemic: Findings from Two Waves of a Covid-19 Mobility Survey

A two-wave survey of workers in Seattle revealed an increase in self-reported work productivity over time for those who shifted to work from home (WFH) since the outbreak of Covid-19. Teleworkers with higher household income adapted better and were more likely to report an increase in productivity as they continued WFH. While those living with friends and relatives were more likely to report a decrease in productivity as they telework for longer. Commute trip reduction programs might encourage the portion of the population with such characteristics to continue WFH after the pandemic subsides and provide support to those with fewer recourses to telework productively if they choose to.

Self-reported work productivity in people with multiple sclerosis and its association with mental and physical health

Purpose This study aimed to identify mental health, physical health, demographic and disease characteristics relating to work productivity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods In this cross-sectional study, 236 employed people with MS (median age = 42 years, 78.8% female) underwent neurological and neuropsychological assessments. Additionally, they completed questionnaires inquiring about work productivity (presenteeism: reduced productivity while working, and absenteeism: loss of productivity due to absence from work), mental and physical health, demographic and disease characteristics. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed with presenteeism and absenteeism as dependent variables, respectively. Results A model with mental and physical health factors significantly predicted presenteeism F(11,202) = 11.33, p < 0.001, R 2 = 0.38; a higher cognitive (p < 0.001) and physical impact (p = 0.042) of fatigue were associated with more presenteeism. A model with only mental health factors significantly predicted absenteeism; χ 2(11)=37.72, p < 0.001, with R 2 = 0.27 (Nagelkerke) and R 2 = 0.16 (Cox and Snell). Specifically, we observed that more symptoms of depression (p = 0.041) and a higher cognitive impact of fatigue (p = 0.011) were significantly associated with more absenteeism. Conclusions In people with MS, both cognitive and physical impact of fatigue are positively related to presenteeism, while symptoms of depression and cognitive impact of fatigue are positively related to absenteeism. Implications for rehabilitation Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects people of working age, significantly interfering with work productivity. Higher cognitive and physical impact of fatigue were associated with more presenteeism in workers with MS. A higher cognitive impact of fatigue and more depressive symptoms were associated with absenteeism in workers with MS. Occupational and healthcare professionals should be aware of the impact of both physical and mental health on work productivity in workers with MS.

Burden of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Work Productivity and Daily Living Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Malaysian Multi-Ethnic Cohort.

This study aims to assess the self-reported work productivity and activity daily living (ADL) impairment among Malaysian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to examine their associated factors. This cross-sectional study included 167 SLE patients (21 males, 146 females; mean age 38.2±9.8 years; range, 20 to 60 years) recruited from the outpatient Rheumatology and Nephrology clinics. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to record patients' socio- demographics (age, sex, ethnicity, marital status, and occupation) and SLE disease characteristics (system involvement, age onset, and presence of organ damage). Disease activity was assessed using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K). Short form 36 (SF-36) was used to determine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) while Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire was used to assess the four domains of absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work productivity, and non-work related ADL impairment. Univariate analyses and multivariable regression analysis examined the association of demographic variables, SLE disease characteristics, and activity with reduced HRQoL and WPAI scores. The majority of the patients were Malays (59.3%), followed by Chinese (34.7%) and Indian (3.6%) patients. More than two-thirds of the patients reported some degree of impairment in their work productivity and ADL due to the disease. The absenteeism rate was 10.4% in the past one week and their indirect costs were 2,875.17 Malaysian ringgits (US $701.22) in the past seven days. Significant predictors of higher work productivity and ADL impairment scores were higher disease activity, more frequent SLE flares, lupus nephritis, and hematological involvement of SLE. Patients with higher work productivity and ADL impairment scores were also strongly associated with poor QoL. No ethnic disparities of work productivity and ADL impairment were found. Systemic lupus erythematosus significantly affected the overall productivity in work and non-work related activity in our Malaysian multi-ethnic cohort and both impairments were significantly associated with poor QoL.

The Effect of Biologic and Targeted Synthetic Drugs on Work- and Productivity-related Outcomes for Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review.

To systematically review the effects of biologic therapies for psoriatic arthritis [secukinumab, ustekinumab, adalimumab, etanercept, certolizumab pegol (CZP), apremilast, golimumab (GOL), or infliximab (IFX)] on work productivity. A systematic review of Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials reporting on work productivity outcomes at the end of the placebo-controlled double-blind period. There were 7959 records identified. Full text of 377 records was further assessed for eligibility, of which 5 trials were included. All included trials were assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and 4 out of 5 were judged to be of low risk of bias in most domains. Improvements in self-assessed work productivity were observed in 5 trials (IFX, GOL, CZP, ustekinumab, and apremilast), ranging from a mean difference of -0.9 to -1.8 on a 1-10 scale of self-assessed work productivity (negative change represents improvement), although statistical significance of the results was not reported for CZP and apremilast. Treatment with CZP resulted in a statistically significant reduction in absenteeism (200 mg) and presenteeism (200 and 400 mg). IFX and GOL reported a nonsignificant reduction of absenteeism. The Work Productivity Survey, the Work Limitations Questionnaire, and visual analog scales were used to measure work productivity. Treatment with IFX, GOL, CZP, ustekinumab, and apremilast resulted in improvements in self-reported work productivity. A pooled analysis was not possible because of the clinical heterogeneity of the trials and variability in outcome reporting.

Work Productivity Loss in Young Workers Is Substantial and Is Associated With Spinal Pain and Mental Ill-health Conditions.

The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of spinal pain and mental ill-health conditions on work productivity in 22-year-old workers. A cross-sectional design using data from the Raine Study cohort (n = 867) including self-reported work productivity and self-report of health practitioner diagnosed medical conditions. Mean (median, 25th-percentile, 75th-percentile) annualized cost of health-related absenteeism was $AUD1899 ($0, $0, $1738) per worker. Annualized cost of presenteeism was $AUD10,674 ($6573, $4003, $13,087) per worker. Spinal pain and mental ill-health conditions were associated with increased health-related absenteeism, but not presenteeism. Work productivity loss in young workers is a substantial problem needing priority attention. Addressing spinal pain and mental ill-health may improve productivity of this important sector of the workforce.

Early Improvement in Work Productivity Predicts Future Clinical Course in Depressed Outpatients: Findings From the CO-MED Trial.

Depression symptom severity, the most commonly studied outcome in antidepressant treatment trials, accounts for only a small portion of burden related to major depression. While lost work productivity is the biggest contributor to depression's economic burden, few studies have systematically evaluated the independent effect of treatment on work productivity and the relationship between changes in work productivity and longer-term clinical course. Work productivity was measured repeatedly by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment self-report questionnaire in 331 employed participants with major depression enrolled in the Combining Medications to Enhance Depression Outcomes trial. Trajectories of change in work productivity during the first 6 weeks of treatment were identified and used to predict remission at 3 and 7 months. Participants reported reduced absence from work and increased work productivity with antidepressant treatment even after controlling for changes in depression severity. Three distinct trajectories of changes in work productivity were identified: 1) robust early improvement (24%), 2) minimal change (49%), and 3) high-impairment slight reduction (27%). Compared with other participants, those with robust improvement had 3-5 times higher remission rates at 3 months and 2-5 times higher remission rates at 7 months, even after controlling for select baseline variables and remission status at week 6. In this secondary analysis, self-reported work productivity improved in depressed patients with antidepressant treatment even after accounting for depressive symptom reduction. Early improvement in work productivity is associated with much higher remission rates after 3 and 7 months of treatment.

Upper Limb Absence: Predictors of Work Participation and Work Productivity

ObjectivesTo analyze work participation, work productivity, contributing factors, and physical work demands of individuals with upper limb absence (ULA). DesignCross-sectional study: postal survey (response rate, 45%). SettingTwelve rehabilitation centers and orthopedic workshops. ParticipantsIndividuals (n=207) with unilateral transverse upper limb reduction deficiency (RD) or acquired amputation (AA), at or proximal to the carpal level, between the ages of 18 and 65 years, and a convenience sample of control subjects (n=90) matched on age and sex. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresEmployment status, self-reported work productivity measured with the Quality-Quantity method, and self-reported upper extremity work demands measured with the Upper Extremity Work Demands scale. ResultsSeventy-four percent of the individuals with RD and 57% of the individuals with AA were employed (vs 82% of the control group and 66% of the general population). Male sex, younger age, a medium or higher level of education, prosthesis use, and good general health were predictors of work participation. Work productivity was similar to that of the control group. Higher work productivity was inversely related to musculoskeletal complaint–related pain. When having predominantly mentally demanding work, individuals with ULA perceived higher upper extremity work demands compared with controls. ConclusionsWork participation of individuals with RD was slightly higher compared with that of the general population, whereas employment rates of individuals with AA were slightly lower. Furthermore, work productivity did not differ between individuals with RD, AA, and controls.

PMS62 - Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Self-Reported Work Productivity, Disease Severity And Adherence In an Employed Population

PMS62 - Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Self-Reported Work Productivity, Disease Severity And Adherence In an Employed Population

FRI0280 Impact of Disease Duration before Starting Adalimumab Treatment on Work Productivity in Japanese Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis; Analysis of 24-Weeks Data from the Anouveau Study

BackgroundTreatment with adalimumab (ADA) has been reported to improve work productivity and reduce indirect cost due to work impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The impact of disease duration...

Work productivity among treatment‐naïve patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C infection receiving telaprevir combination treatment

Work productivity is impacted in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients and has been linked to treatment. In two Phase 3 trials, ADVANCE and ILLUMINATE, treatment-naïve genotype 1 chronic HCV-infected patients received 12-week telaprevir (T) with 24 (T12PR24)- or 48 (T12PR48)-week peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin. The objective of this analysis was to examine the impact of chronic HCV infection and its treatment with combination therapy on work productivity. The 5-item, self-reported work productivity questionnaire (WPQ) was administered in Phase 3 trials to assess unemployment status, days unable to work due to HCV/treatment, reduced hours worked and impact on productivity in prior 4 weeks. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses were employed in analyses of pooled trial data. About 1147 patients were included; 22% (n = 255) were unemployed at baseline, with 8% being unemployed due to health reasons. At week 12, there were no differences by treatment regimen in the number of days unable to work. At week 48, improvements were observed earlier among patients receiving the shorter duration of T combination treatment. Mean (95% CI) change from baseline in days unable to work was -0.48 (-0.85, -0.11) days for T12PR24, 1.43 (0.63, 2.24) days for T12PR48 and 1.24 (0.18, 2.30) days for PR48 with placebo. Predictors of days unable to work were identified and include demographic characteristics, pretreatment and on-treatment levels of fatigue, as well regional variation. In post hoc analyses of the ADVANCE and ILLUMINATE trials, work productivity decreased during the initial 12 weeks regardless of treatment group.

FRI0202 A large-scale prospective single cohort study of work productivity and activity impairment in japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving adalimumab: analysis of 24-weeks data from the anouveau study

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) significantly impairs work productivity and daily activities.ObjectivesTo examine the effectiveness of adalimumab (ADA) with respect to RA-related work productivity and activity impairment, as well as associations of...

Hearing Ability in Working Life and Its Relationship With Sick Leave and Self-Reported Work Productivity

Reduced hearing ability has been shown to influence various aspects of daily life, such as communication, psychosocial functioning, and working life. The aim of this study is to examine the association between hearing ability in noise and both sick leave and self-reported work productivity. In addition, the relationship between hearing ability and perceived health-caused limitations at work is examined. Data were collected at the baseline measurement of the Dutch "National Longitudinal Study on Hearing" and at each month during a subsequent period of 3 mo. Hearing ability was determined by means of the National Hearing Test, a speech-in-noise test over the Internet using digit triplets. The sample comprised 748 workers (385 with normal hearing ability and 363 with insufficient or poor hearing ability). Linear regression analyses revealed a significant adverse association between reduced hearing ability and self-reported absolute and differential productivity; for every dB signal-to-noise ratio (dB SNR) poorer hearing ability, self-rated absolute productivity for people experiencing little social support decreased by 0.054 points on a scale from 0 to 10 (b = -0.054; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.088 to -0.02). For people with less than three other chronic conditions, self-rated differential productivity also decreased significantly with decreasing hearing ability (no chronic conditions: b = -0.048 points/dB SNR on a scale from -10 to + 10, 95% CI = -0.094 to -0.001; one or two other chronic conditions: b = -0.035 points/dB SNR, 95% CI = -0.067 to -0.002). With adjustment for confounders, poorer hearing ability in noise furthermore significantly increased the odds for experiencing limitations (in the type or amount of work one could do) sometimes (odds ratio = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.07-1.21) and often to very often (odds ratio = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.05-1.45) in comparison with experiencing limitation seldom to never. A higher level of need for recovery among people with poorer hearing ability appeared to be one of the factors mediating the higher odds for sick leave of more than 5 days. Reduced hearing ability in noise was significantly associated with a lower self-reported absolute and differential productivity in specific cases. Also, poorer hearing increased the odds for experiencing health-caused limitations in the type or amount of work one can do. The significant relationship between hearing ability and sick leave, which was found when not adjusting for confounders, could partly be explained by a higher need for recovery among people with reduced hearing ability in noise.

The effects of adalimumab treatment and psoriasis severity on self-reported work productivity and activity impairment for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis

Psoriasis significantly impairs work productivity and daily activities. We sought to examine the effects of adalimumab on psoriasis-related work productivity and activity impairment and associations between the impairment and psoriasis severity in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Data were from the first 16 weeks of the Randomized controlled EValuation of adalimumab Every other week dosing in moderate to severe psoriasis TriAL (REVEAL). Outcomes as measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire for Psoriasis (WPAI-Psoriasis) included employment status, total work productivity impairment, and total activity impairment. Logistic regression and analyses of covariance were used to assess the effects of adalimumab and treatment response (≥ 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index responders) on WPAI-Psoriasis outcomes. Longitudinal generalized estimating equations and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess associations between WPAI outcomes and psoriasis severity. Greater improvements in total work productivity impairment and total activity impairment were observed with adalimumab treatment versus placebo (15.5 and 11.1 percentage points, respectively; P < .001). Unemployment rate, total work productivity impairment, and total activity impairment were significantly associated with greater baseline psoriasis severity. Changes in WPAI outcomes were significantly correlated with greater psoriasis severity. The Dermatology Life Quality Index had stronger associations with changes in WPAI outcomes compared with clinical severity measures (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and Physician Global Assessment). REVEAL only included WPAI data for 16 weeks. Therefore, long-term impact of adalimumab treatment on productivity outcomes could not be assessed. In addition, information on occupational job title or industry was not collected and data were not adjusted for psoriatic arthritis. Adalimumab reduced psoriasis-related work productivity and activity impairment in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.