Factors affecting work productivity and activity impairment among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Abstract

Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) can negatively affect patients' employment and work-life activities with a significant indirect economic impact. The current study aimed to measure unemployment, work productivity, activity impairment, and their associated factors among COPD patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Chest outpatient clinic, Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. COPD patients completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic, occupational data, clinical history, medical research council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, the COPD assessment test (CAT), and work productivity and activity impairment Questionnaire (WPAI-COPD).A total 140 patients were included in the study and 22.1 % of them gave up their jobs because of their COPD. Due to COPD, the mean percentage of daily activity impairment was 39.8 among all patients. The mean percentages of absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall work impairment among the 84 working patients were 0.07, 24.4, and 24.5. The CAT score was the significant predictor of all components of WPAI. In conclusion, COPD causes early retirement, high work productivity loss, and impaired daily activities. Higher CAT scores and increased disease severity significantly increase absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work, and activity impairment. Thus, timely diagnosis of COPD with appropriate management can help improve outcomes and lower the disease burden and economic impact.

Demographic and Behavioral Risk Factors Predict Functional Limitations Associated with Subjective Cognitive Decline in Americans with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Secondary Analysis

“…These findings are consistent with previous research that has shown the impact of employment status on the well-being and functional abilities of individuals with chronic illnesses. For instance, Abdelwahab et al [ 37 ] found that a significant proportion of patients with COPD gave up their jobs due to their condition, highlighting the influence of employment on the lives of individuals with chronic respiratory diseases. Group-based interventions using pulmonary rehabilitation and regular physical activity are needed for unemployed and retired patients with COPD to explore the extent to which reestablishing or maintaining a social connection can improve SCD-related functional limitations.…”