Social and Work-Related Factors on Employment Status of Coronary Heart Disease Patients

Abstract

Objective: Due to their clinical status, coronary heart disease (CHD) patients experience difficulties during their daily activities, which includes their work life. Their quality of life, in general, is negatively affected. The aims of this study were to determine changes in employment status after diagnosis of CHD and sociodemographic, clinical and work-related factors affected. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Participants were selected from the Manisa Public Health Directorate database; of Turkey. Inclusion criteria encompassed residence in inner Manisa Districts, employment at an income-generating job, and a diagnosis of CHD for the first time (n=41) by a doctor between 01.12.2012-01.12.2013. A cohort of without CHD (n=73) was also recruited for the study for comparison. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to exam the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Results: It was found that 76% of patients returned to work within a year after receiving a diagnosis of CHD. However, the lay-off rate was found to be significantly higher among employees with CHD than others (p<0.05). There was no relationship found between being laid off and having a comorbidity (p>0.05). In the evaluation of all study participants, blue-collar and private sector employees had significantly higher lay-off rates compared to white-collar and public sector employees. Conclusion: After a CHD diagnosis, 24% of CHD patients cannot return to work. People in a lower occupational class experience a higher rate of lay-off, which may make life economically worse for these individuals. Social life and working conditions should be taken into consideration when evaluating whether CHD patients should return to work.