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Productivity and economic burden associated with diabetes
V Valdmanis1, D W Smith, M R Page
1Department of Health Administration and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, USA.
American Journal of Public Health
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Individuals with diabetes face significant economic hardship and disability. This study highlights their poorer health status and limited access to healthcare compared to those without diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition with significant societal costs.
- Understanding the multifaceted burden of diabetes is crucial for effective public health interventions.
- Economic status, disability, and healthcare access are key indicators of this burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the economic and social burden of diabetes.
- To evaluate the impact of diabetes on employment, income, and disability.
- To examine barriers to healthcare access for individuals with diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 1990-1995 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey in Oklahoma.
- Compared individuals with diabetes to a matched cohort without diabetes based on age, sex, and race/ethnicity.
- Analyzed economic status, disability days, general health, and healthcare access measures.
Main Results:
- Individuals with diabetes reported significantly lower economic status.
- Diabetes was associated with substantially higher levels of disability.
- Diabetic individuals experienced greater barriers to accessing medical care.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic individuals possess fewer resources to manage their condition.
- Diabetes leads to a poorer overall health status and increased disability.
- Addressing healthcare access barriers is vital for improving outcomes for diabetic populations.