Medication adherence, comorbidities, and health risk impacts on workforce absence and job performance

J Occup Environ Med. 2011 Jun;53(6):595-604. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e318223470b.

Abstract

Objective: To understand impacts of medication adherence, comorbidities, and health risks on workforce absence and job performance.

Methods: Retrospective observational study using employees' medical/pharmacy claims and self-reported health risk appraisals.

Results: Statin medication adherence in individuals with Coronary Artery Disease was significant predictor (P < 0.05) of decreasing absenteeism. Insulin, oral hypoglycemic, or metformin medication adherence in type 2 diabetics was significant (P < 0.05) predictor of decreasing job performance. Number of comorbidities was found as significant (P < 0.5) predictor of absenteeism in five of nine subsamples. Significant links (P < 0.05) between high health risks and lower job performance were found across all nine subsamples.

Conclusions: Results suggest integrated health and productivity management strategies should include an emphasis on primary and secondary prevention to reduce health risks in addition to tertiary prevention efforts of disease management and medication management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absenteeism*
  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease / drug therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Depression / complications
  • Employee Performance Appraisal*
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Insurance Claim Reporting
  • Medication Adherence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Regression Analysis
  • Retrospective Studies