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The burden of illness of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease: impact on work productivity
Author(s) -
Dean B. B.,
Crawley J. A.,
Schmitt C. M.,
Wong J.,
Ofman J. J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01588.x
Subject(s) - heartburn , medicine , reflux , productivity , odds ratio , disease , confounding , logistic regression , work productivity , medical prescription , economics , pharmacology , macroeconomics
Summary Background: The impact of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease on work productivity has become increasingly important, as the symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease affect individuals in their productive years of life. Aims: To assess the impact of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease on reduced work productivity and to identify the predictors of reduced productivity. Methods: A sample of employed individuals reporting chronic heartburn was selected from US household mail survey respondents. Heartburn severity and frequency were recorded using a diary, and work productivity was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire for Patients with Symptoms of Gastro‐oesophageal Reflux Disease. Predictors of reduced productivity were evaluated. Results: Over 30% of heartburn sufferers reported reduced productivity. Individuals with symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease ( n = 1003) reported 6.0% reduced productivity attributable to symptoms. Over 48% of respondents with severe symptoms reported reduced productivity, compared with 40% and 12% of respondents with moderate and mild symptoms, respectively. Using logistic regression, severity, a younger age and nocturnal symptoms were associated with increased odds of reduced productivity. In those reporting nocturnal heartburn, medication use and sleep interference increased the odds of reduced productivity. Conclusions: Reduced work productivity is seen in a large proportion of subjects on prescription medication for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. Symptom severity and nocturnal heartburn are significantly associated with reduced work productivity, particularly when nocturnal heartburn interferes with sleep.