Chronic diseases and productivity loss among middle-aged and elderly in India

Abstract

Context Chronic diseases are growing in India and largely affecting the middle-aged and elderly population; many of them are in working age. Though a large number of studies estimated the out-of-pocket payment and financial catastrophe due to this condition, there are no nationally representative studies on productivity loss due to health problems. This paper examined the pattern and prevalence of productivity loss, due to chronic diseases among middle-aged and elderly in India. Methods We have used a total of 72,250 respondents from the first wave of Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), conducted in 2017-18. We have used two dependent variables, limiting paid work and ever stopped work due to ill health. We have estimated the age-sex adjusted prevalence of ever stopped working due to ill health and limiting paid work across MPCE quintile and socio- demographic characteristics. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and logistic regression was used to examine the effect of chronic diseases on both these variables. Findings We estimated that among middle aged adults in 45–64 years, 3,213 individuals accounting to 6.9% (95%CI:6.46–7.24) had ever-stopped work and 6,300 individuals accounting to 22.7% (95% CI: 21.49–23.95) had limiting paid work in India. The proportion of ever-stopped and limiting work due to health problem increased significantly with age and the number of chronic diseases. Limiting paid work is higher among females (25.1%), and in urban areas (24%) whereas ever-stopped is lower among female (5.7%) (95% CI:5.16–6.25 ) and in urban areas (4.9%) (95% CI: 4.20–5.69). The study also found that stroke (21.1%) and neurological or psychiatric problems (18%) were significantly associated with both ever stopped work and limiting paid work. PSM model shows that, those with chronic diseases are 4% and 11% more likely to stop and limit their work respectively. Regression model reveals that more than one chronic conditions had a consistent and significant positive impact on stopping work for over a year (increasing productivity loss) across all three models. Conclusion Individuals having any chronic disease has higher likelihood of ever stopped work and limiting paid work. Promoting awareness, screening and treatment at workplace is recommended to reduce adverse consequences of chronic disease in India.

Work Accident at Sugar Farmers in Banyumas Regency

“…The history of chronic diseases suffered by Sugar farmers, like complications, gastritis, rheumatism, anemia, and hypertension, allegedly reduce work productivity and can cause accidents. It is in line with the research of Akhtar et al (2022), which shows a significant relationship between chronic past medical history with the loss of work productivity. The results showed a significant relationship between protein adequacy with the accidents of the Sugar farmers in Banyumas Regency.…”

Haemochromatosis patients' research priorities: Towards an improved quality of life

“…In view of this, it may be relevant to elaborate on these adaptive coping strategies so that health professionals could explore them in a clinical setting. The impact of chronic medical conditions on both productivity loss and work impairment has been extensively documented; this also emerges as a source of concern among our respondents who demand a research effort to improve aspects that hinder their daily performance, including joint problems, chronic fatigue and recurrent appointments to health centres 37–40 . As HC might result in functional and cognitive limitations that impair employees' ability to fully participate in the workforce, efforts should be made to enable sustainable employment and avert social exclusion in the labour market.…”

“…The impact of chronic medical conditions on both productivity loss and work impairment has been extensively documented; this also emerges as a source of concern among our respondents who demand a research effort to improve aspects that hinder their daily performance, including joint problems, chronic fatigue and recurrent appointments to health centres. 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 As HC might result in functional and cognitive limitations that impair employees' ability to fully participate in the workforce, efforts should be made to enable sustainable employment and avert social exclusion in the labour market. Patients' demand for more genetic testing fuels the debate on the eligibility for diagnostic of this sort; as for HC screening programs, a consensus on the health economic value of a population‐based approach is yet to be reached.…”

Envelhecimento, Estratégias De Prevenção De Doenças Crônicas E Qualidade De Vida

“…O fenômeno do envelhecimento da população é evidente em praticamente todas as nações, representando um desafio considerável para os setores sociais e de saúde (Akhtar, 2022). O rápido aumento da população idosa demanda uma abordagem coordenada e eficaz por parte das políticas públicas, visando assegurar sistemas de atenção adequados (Oliveira, 20219).…”