Work absence in patients with asthma and/or COPD: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma significantly affect work productivity, yet population-based data on their burden and predictors remain limited.
• Understanding the real-world impact of these conditions on employment is crucial for public health and economic considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare work absence rates in patients with asthma and/or COPD against the general population.
• To identify demographic and clinical predictors associated with work absence in these patient groups.

Main Methods:

• An observational, real-life study involving 14,383 patients from the MAJORICA cohort (Spain).
• Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the association between work absence and patient characteristics.
• Comparison of work absence data between asthma, COPD, asthma-COPD overlap patients, and the general population.

Main Results:

• Patients with asthma and/or COPD exhibited significantly higher work absence (15.2%) compared to the general population (8.9%).
• Asthma patients reported more frequent work absence episodes (16.0%) than COPD patients (12.8%), but fewer total days absent (median 15 vs 39 days).
• Asthma-COPD overlap patients presented intermediate rates (14.5% absence, median 27 days). Comorbid anxiety, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea were independently linked to increased work absence.

Conclusions:

• Asthma and COPD represent a substantial burden on work productivity, exceeding that of the general population.
• Specific comorbidities, including anxiety, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea, are significant independent predictors of work absence in these patients.
• These findings underscore the importance of managing comorbidities to mitigate the economic and personal impact of respiratory diseases on the workforce.