Pneumologie 2017; 71(S 01): S1-S125
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1598377
Posterbegehung – Sektion Klinische Pneumologie
Asthma bronchiale – Stephanie Korn/Mainz, Christian Geßner/Leipzig
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Asthma impacts on work productivity and daily activities in employed patients who are symptomatic despite background therapy: a multi-national survey

K Gruffydd-Jones
1   Box Surgery, Box, Corsham, Wiltshire
,
M Thomas
2   Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton
,
MR Rodriguez
3   Primary Care Respiratory Research Unit, Idispa
,
A Infantino
4   Respiratory Area, Italian Interdiscplinary Society for Primary Care
,
K Opitz
5   Media & Pr, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH
,
V Hargreaves
6   Cohn & Wolfe
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 February 2017 (online)

Also available at
 
 

    Aim:

    This multi-national survey aimed to increase understanding of the impact of symptomatic asthma on work productivity and daily activities in adults receiving maintenance therapy.

    Methods:

    The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Specific Health Problem questionnaire is an internationally recognised and validated, six-question, patient-administered, quantitative assessment of absenteeism, presenteeism (reduced on-the-job effectiveness) and daily activity impairment attributable to a specific health problem, during the past 7 days. Adults with asthma, diagnosed by a healthcare professional, in full-/part-time employment and confirmed as symptomatic, despite receiving long-term asthma control medication, were identified from a consumer panel using initial screening questions and surveyed via an internet questionnaire.

    Results:

    Of 6140 participants, 1598 fulfilled screening criteria and completed the survey: Brazil, n = 200; Canada, n = 200; Germany, n = 293; Japan, n = 305; Spain, n = 300; UK, n = 300. Mean scores at respondent level were: absenteeism, 9.1%; presenteeism, 31.5%; overall work impairment, 35.7%; non-work activity impairment, 38.1%. On average, 74% of participants reported some reduction (question score ≥1/10) in work productivity, while 42% and 51% of participants reported a prominent reduction (question score ≥4/10) in work productivity and ability to perform daily activities, respectively, because of asthma. Respondents reported missing, on average, 3 working hours per week because of asthma symptoms. The majority of participants indicated that asthma at work affects them physically and mentally; only 13% reported no impact.

    Conclusion:

    For a substantial proportion of adult patients in employment with symptomatic asthma despite long-term maintenance medication, asthma has a large negative impact on work productivity and daily activity.

    Declaration of interest:

    Survey funding: Boehringer Ingelheim. Editorial assistance: Complete HealthVizion.

    Content already presented at IPCRG congress 2016


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    No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).