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. 2015 Jul;57(7):779-84.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000452.

Absenteeism due to Functional Limitations Caused by Seven Common Chronic Diseases in US Workers

Tam D Vuong  1 , Feifei Wei, Claudia J Beverly
Affiliations

Absenteeism due to Functional Limitations Caused by Seven Common Chronic Diseases in US Workers

Tam D Vuong et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2015 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: The study examined the relationship between functional limitation due to chronic diseases and absenteeism among full-time workers. The studied chronic diseases include arthritis/rheumatism, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, lung disease, and stroke.

Methods: We analyzed data from the 2011 to 2013 National Health Interview Survey. Economic impact was determined by workdays lost and lost income.

Results: Increase in absenteeism was observed for each studied condition. Employees with multiple conditions also saw increase absenteeism. Employers lose 28.2 million workdays annually ($4.95 billion in lost income) due to functional limitation caused by chronic diseases.

Conclusions: The results show a burden on society due to functional limitation caused by studied chronic diseases. Employers should look into implementing intervention/prevention programs, such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs, to help reduce the cost associated with absenteeism.

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