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Lower workforce participation is associated with more severe persisting breathlessness
Joseph Clark1, Sungwon Chang2, Irina Kinchin3
1Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK.
BMC Pulmonary Medicine
|March 19, 2022
Summary
Persisting breathlessness significantly reduces workforce participation and leads to substantial income loss for working-aged individuals. This highlights the economic impact of respiratory conditions on employment and finances.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Workforce participation is crucial for individual well-being and economic stability.
- Persisting breathlessness is a common issue among working-age populations.
- The economic and social consequences of reduced work capacity due to breathlessness are significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the intensity of persisting breathlessness and paid workforce participation.
- To quantify the economic impact of breathlessness on income for working-aged individuals.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving face-to-face interviews with 8916 adults in South Australia.
- Analysis of data from 6608 working-aged respondents (20-65 years) on workforce participation and breathlessness.
- Utilized the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) breathlessness scale and regression analyses to assess associations and economic costs.
Main Results:
- Workforce participation declined with increasing breathlessness severity (mMRC 0: 70.6%, mMRC 1: 51.7%, mMRC 2-4: 20.3%).
- Individuals with severe breathlessness were significantly less likely to be employed (OR 0.14).
- Estimated annual income foregone due to persisting breathlessness was AU$10.7 billion.
Conclusions:
- Increasing intensity of persisting breathlessness is strongly associated with reduced workforce participation.
- Significant financial consequences arise from breathlessness-related work limitations, particularly affecting older males.
- Addressing breathlessness is critical for maintaining economic productivity and individual financial security.
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