PGI29 Cost of Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) in Poland – Health Care Professionals Survey

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Few studies have evaluated the impact of GERD-symptoms on work productivity and no French data are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of GERD typical symptoms on work productivity and daily activities in patients with nocturnal compared to diurnal symptoms. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, observational study was carried out in French primary care setting. Each physician had to include the first two consecutive adult patients on full-time job who had experienced GERD typical symptoms at least once during the 7 days/nights preceding the inclusion visit: 1 with exclusively diurnal symptoms and 1 with nocturnal symptoms. Data collected by physicians were: patients' characteristics, symptomatology and treatments. Work productivity loss was assessed using the validated self-administered Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire specific to GERD (WPAI-GERD). Predictors of work productivity loss were identified by multivariate regression models and its cost estimated. RESULTS: A total of 407 physicians included 716 eligible patients: 50.8% with nocturnal and 49.2% with exclusive diurnal symptoms (EDS). The mean age was 46.3 years (SD 8.7), 62.8% were men, and 58.3% of patients diagnosed before inclusion were treated for GERD. Work productivity and daily activities decreased by 31.4% and 32.6%, respectively. Decrease rates were higher in EDS-patients (pϽ0.001 each). Work productivity impairment was mostly due to impairment while working (presenteeism) rather than absenteeism. The symptoms intensity and composite intensity index, reflecting disease severity, were identified as the main predictors of decreased work productivity. The mean cost of work productivity loss per patient was estimated as €313/ week, also higher in EDS-patients (pϽ0.001). CONCLUSIONS: GERD incurs high work productivity loss which yields a substantial burden. Improving patients' outcomes, especially in those with moderate or severe disease, with most effective tailored treatments and care management could be expected to reduce work productivity loss and associated costs.