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Excess sick-listing in nonulcer dyspepsia
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|June 1, 1986
Summary
Patients with nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD) experience significantly more sick days than those with duodenal ulcers (DU/PPU). NUD absenteeism is linked to diverse symptoms, suggesting factors beyond dyspepsia contribute to work absence.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Occupational Health
- Health Economics
Background:
- Nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and duodenal/prepyloric ulcer disease (DU/PPU) are common gastrointestinal conditions.
- Understanding the impact of these conditions on work productivity and societal costs is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the patterns and extent of sick leave between patients with NUD and those with DU/PPU.
- To investigate the underlying reasons for sick leave in both patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a computerized register from the National Health Insurance Service to track sick leave benefits.
- Analyzed data from 88 NUD patients and 73 DU/PPU patients.
Main Results:
- Both NUD and DU/PPU patients showed an increased risk of sick leave.
- NUD patients had significantly more sick days (p < 0.02) than DU/PPU patients, averaging 2.6 times more than the general population.
- Ulcer patients' sick leave was primarily due to abdominal symptoms, while NUD patients' absenteeism was linked to musculoskeletal and other non-dyspeptic complaints, suggesting psychosocial factors.
Conclusions:
- NUD and DU/PPU appear to be distinct conditions, not merely different stages of the same disease.
- The high prevalence and significant absenteeism associated with NUD represent a considerable economic burden.
- Factors beyond dyspepsia, potentially including psychosocial elements, contribute to NUD-related work absence.