The three groups were similar in a variety of demographic factors, and mean subject-specific measures of speed, output, and productivity. In a multivariate model using general estimating equations, only episode severity (not type of headache or person-specific diagnosis) was found to be associated with a significant decrement in speed or productivity. The self-reported decrement in speed (approximately 20%) was much greater than the actual measured effect on productivity (approximately 8%). Intensive daily diary collection by IVR on symptoms and work performance is feasible. However, analysis of detailed daily objective productivity data can be complex, with significant unmeasured sources of variance. Severity may be a more important determinant of headache effect on work performance than specific diagnosis. Future studies on illness episodes and work performance should measure informal accommodations that may enable employees to compensate for episodic illnesses.

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