[Social security burden due to work-related disability due to kidney failure]

Kidney Failure (KF) leads to loss of productive years, premature mortality, and substantial social burden due to work-related disability.

To characterize temporary and permanent work disability transfers attributable to KF among affiliates of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).

Patterns of use were analyzed for: (a) disability pensions at the national and regional levels, and (b) temporary work disability (TWD) at the healthcare facility level. All monetary values are expressed in 2024 Mexican pesos (MXN).

A decreasing trend in newly granted KF-related disability pensions was identified over time. In 2024, 690 new pensions were reported, 24% of which were for women, with the highest proportions in Jalisco (26%) and the State of Mexico (14%). Temporary work disability was observed in 24% of insured individuals who ultimately returned to work, lasting on average 70 days (SD 71) and costing MXN 11,534 (SD 12,347). Individuals on automated peritoneal dialysis had shorter TWD durations (p < 0.05). Among new pension recipients, 88% had a preceding TWD episode lasting an average of 95 days (95% CI: 82-112), equivalent to MXN 16,102 (95% CI: 12,866-18,339). The estimated average annual pension, weighted by salary range, was MXN 74,218. On average, 17.4 productive years (95% CI: 16-19) and 27.3 years lived with disability were lost per case.

Standardizing IMSS procedures aimed at assessing and mitigating work disability could substantially reduce the burden of KF for patients, their families, and society.