Tomasz Macioch, Urszula Zalewska, Elżbieta Sobol, Beata Mrozikiewicz-Rakowska, Arkadiusz Krakowiecki and Tomasz Hermanowski
Aim: The purpose of this study was to estimate the productivity loss and indirect costs associated with foot ulcers in patients with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). An additional goal was to estimate the productivity loss and indirect costs in the population of informal caregivers of patients with DFS.
Methods: Based on a prospective survey the effects of ulcers on patients’ professional activities were measured, and in addition, the disease-associated loss of productivity in the population of professionally active patients and caregivers was examined. Loss of productivity was measured using a modified WPAI questionnaire. The indirect costs of both absenteeism and presenteeism were estimated using the human capital approach.
Results: Mean absenteeism was estimated at 32.63% of the nominal working time, whereas presenteeism was estimated at 23.48% of real working time. Among informal caregivers, mean absenteeism was estimated at 13.67% of the nominal working time, and presenteeism was estimated at 27.21% of real working time. Total annual indirect costs associated with productivity loss in the patient population amounted to EUR 170.8 million, including EUR 117.3 million in costs for sickness absences and EUR 53.5 million in presenteeism costs. Total annual indirect costs associated with productivity loss in the population of informal caregivers amounted to EUR 303.3 million, including EUR 80.8 million in costs for sickness absence and EUR 222.6 million in presenteeism costs.
Conclusions: The indirect costs associated with foot ulcers in patients with DFS impose a substantial burden on the Polish economy.