The Cost of Lost Productivity due to Premature Chagas Disease-Related Mortality: Evidence from Colombia (2010-2017)

Abstract

Economic burden due to premature mortality has a negative impact not only in health system even though in the society. The aim of this study was to estimate the potential years of work tenure lost (PYWL) due to Chagas disease in Colombia from 2010-2017. National data on mortality by sex and ages between 15 and 62 dues to Chagas from 2010 to 2017. The PYWL methodology was applied to assess the impact of Chagas disease in workers who suffer from them. In total, 1,261 deaths were analyzed in the study, of which 60% corresponded to males. The loss of labor productivity caused by Chagas disease was estimated at $29 million. Overall, 48,621 PYWL were lost, and there was an average of 21 years for all subjects with Chagas. Throughout the analyzed period, PYWL increased substantially, and it is necessary to continue with early detection programs to avoid premature death in working age population.

New Contributions to the Elimination of Chagas Disease as a Public Health Problem: Towards the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030

“…Since February 2020, chronic disease is of mandatory notification nationwide in Brazil. Premature death related to Chagas disease not only causes suffering for individuals and their families, but also a significant national economic burden, as shown by Olivera et al [ 4 ]. They examined the potential years of work lost, and productivity costs caused by Chagas disease in Colombia, and showed the social significance, making an additional strong point for the strengthening of control programs within the realm of early diagnosis and treatment.…”