Factors associated with work productivity among people with COPD: Birmingham COPD Cohort

Kiran Rai, Peymane Adab, Jonathan Ayres, Stanley Siebert, Steven Sadhra, Alice Sitch, David Fitzmaurice, Rachel Jordan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)
322 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Patients with COPD are more likely to take time off work (absenteeism) and report poor performance at work (presenteeism) compared to those without COPD. Little is known about the modifiable factors associated with these work productivity outcomes. 
Aim: To assess the factors associated with work productivity among COPD patients.
Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a sub-sample (those in paid employment) of the Birmingham COPD Cohort Study. Absenteeism was defined by self-report over the previous 12 months. Presenteeism was assessed using the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effects of socio-demographic, clinical and occupational characteristics on work productivity.
Results: Among 348 included participants, increasing dyspnoea was the only factor associated with both absenteeism and presenteeism (p for trend<0.01). Additionally, increasing history of occupational exposure to vapours, gases, dusts or fumes (VGDF) was independently associated with presenteeism (p for trend<0.01). 
Conclusions: This is the first study to identify important factors associated with poor work productivity among patients with COPD. Future studies should evaluate interventions aimed at managing breathlessness and reducing occupational exposures to VGDF on work productivity among patients with COPD.
Original languageEnglish
JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Sept 2017

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Factors associated with work productivity among people with COPD: Birmingham COPD Cohort'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this