J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2007 Nov;46(6):587-595.

The Impact of Major Depressive Disorder on Productivity in Workers: A Preliminary Study Using WHO-HPQ(Health and Work Performance Questionnaire)

• Kim W
• Hwang TY
• Ham BJ
• Lee JS
• Choi BH
• Kim SJ
• Seo YJ
• Kang EH
• Woo JM

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Major depressive disorder (MDD) causes patients' distress and makes socioeconomic burden, both directly and indirectly. We used the concept of lost productive time (LPT) to estimate the indirect costs and calculated both absenteeism and presenteeism among workers with MDD.
METHODS
Depression group was recruited from workers visiting psychiatric outpatient clinic who had MDD without major physical or mental disorders (N=106). Age and sex matched healthy control group was also recruited through advertisement (M=100). All participants completed a interview using WHO Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ), Job Stress Measurement Scale for Korean Employees, and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Statistical analysis was performed with independent t-test or Chi2 test as characteristics of values (p=0.05).
RESULTS
The number of absence (0.94-day/month vs. 0.10-day/month, p=0.015) and the number of early leaving (2.56-day/month vs. 0.24-day/month, p<0.001) were significantly higher in the depression group. Depression group evaluated their performance level much lower than controls with significant value (5.16 vs. 7.62, p<0.001). In addition, depression group estimated their performance level during the last 4 weeks lower compared to the level of past 1-year (5.16 vs 6.63, p<0.001). The estimated costs of absenteeism in depression group were higher than controls by 2,520,000 Korean Won per year, and those of presenteeism were also higher by 4,880,000 Korean Won per year. The total costs of LPT in depression group were higher than controls by 7,400,000 Korean Won, which corresponds to 26% of mean annual salary. In addition, the level of occupational stress, such as high demand and interpersonal conflict, was higher in the depression group.
CONCLUSION
Major depressive disorder costs substantial productivity loss to workers and their company. Presenteeism imposes more time cost than absenteeism. Effectiveness trials are needed to devise cost-effective programs for the early detection and treatment of depression at the workplace.

Keyword

Workers; Major depressive disorder; Cost of illness; Productivity; Absenteeism

MeSH Terms

Absenteeism
Ambulatory Care Facilities
Cost of Illness
Depression
Depressive Disorder, Major*
Efficiency*
Mental Disorders
Surveys and Questionnaires
Salaries and Fringe Benefits