The economic burden of knee and hip osteoarthritis: absenteeism and costs in the Dutch workforce

Abstract

Background This study aimed to quantify the absenteeism costs of knee and hip osteoarthritis in the Netherlands for the Dutch workforce and specific groups of workers. Methods We used a longitudinal, dynamic database from a large occupational health service in which occupational physicians register information about personal information and sick leave of workers with the diagnosis of knee- and/or hip osteoarthritis. We included all employees aged 15 to 75 years performing paid work and diagnosed with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis. Costs were calculated annually and per episode for different subgroups from an employer’s perspective using the Human Capital Approach. In the Netherlands, the employer has to pay 70% of the employee's wage out of pocket for the first two years of sick leave and also for the occupational health care. In this way, employers receive information about the costs of workers on sick leave due to knee or hip osteoarthritis. This might stimulate investments in targeted prevention and work-directed care. Results For the period 2015–2017, 1399 workers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. An average sick leave episode of knee osteoarthritis had a duration of 186 calendar days and was associated with €15,550 in costs. For hip osteoarthritis these data were 159 calendar days and €12,482 in costs. These costs are particularly high among male workers and workers with a higher number of weekly working hours. The average annual costs for the Dutch workforce due to sick leave for knee and hip osteoarthritis were €26.9 million and €13.8 million, respectively. Sick leave costs decreased for hip and not for knee osteoarthritis during 2015–2017. Conclusions Annual sick leave costs due to knee and hip osteoarthritis are about €40 million for the Dutch workforce and approximately twice as high for knee compared to hip osteoarthritis. Average costs per sick leave episode are particularly high among male workers and workers with a higher number of weekly working hours.

The relationship between experience of knee pain and physical activity participation: A scoping review of quantitative studies

“…There is strong evidence that KOA is the 11th highest cause of disability worldwide [ 19 ]. Furthermore, the economic burden caused by KOA is elevated [ [20] , [21] , [22] ]. KOA contributed more than $27 billion in health care expenditures in America annually to 2013 [ 20 ], which is consistent with Korean data from 2019, indicating observed increases in the economic burden to the Korean health care system [ 21 ].…”

“…KOA contributed more than $27 billion in health care expenditures in America annually to 2013 [ 20 ], which is consistent with Korean data from 2019, indicating observed increases in the economic burden to the Korean health care system [ 21 ]. Similarly, the annual absenteeism costs caused by KOA in the Dutch workforce are substantial at around €27 million [ 22 ].…”

Total knee arthroplasty using the Midvastus approach with a half tourniquet facilitate recoveries better： a retrospective study

“…Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and it is mainly characterized by knee pain, limited movement, and dysfunction 1,2 . It not only affects the quality of life and satisfaction of patients but also affects patients' work, and increases medical and social burdens 3,4 .…”

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Occupational Epidemiology in Western Iran

“…Reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, or increased risk of early retirement due to workforce disability is related to a higher prevalence of NCDs. [15][16][17] Therefore, the present study seeks to evaluate the epidemiology of occupational among men in the west of Iran by applying the data from the baseline phase in the Ravansar Noncommunicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort. To this aim, the prevalence of NCDs, metabolic and MSDs, biochemical and anthropometric factors, and lifestyle (inactivity, night shift work, sleep duration, and smoking) was considered among working men in the 10 occupational groups.…”