Work productivity by diseases diagnosed among workers: a study using large-scale claims data and survey data of workers in Japan

Abstract

Objectives: Japan faces the need for occupational health management based on an understanding of workers’ health and its impact on work productivity. Given a paucity of comprehensive studies, we conducted this study to investigate work productivity by diseases among workers of various occupations in Japan, by using a large-scale database. Methods: This retrospective, descriptive study used pre-existing data derived from health insurance claims and 2 surveys conducted in 2021. The analysis included the data of ≥19-year-old current workers with response data to the questions regarding Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI). The WPAI of the target diseases, defined by claims diagnosis codes, was plotted against the 1-year prevalence of each disease. The cost of lost productivity was estimated based on the response data regarding the WPAI. Results: Overall, 31 540 individuals participated, and the analysis showed that psychiatric disorders, headache, epilepsy, and insomnia had a high percentage of participants reporting any level of WPAI, although the prevalence of these diseases was low. We also explored the cost of lost productivity to supplement the interpretation of the overall impact of health problems; however, no clear trend was observed. Conclusions: Many Japanese workers with psychiatric disorders, headaches, epilepsy, and insomnia have impaired work productivity and daily activities.