Impact of a work-focused intervention on the productivity and symptoms of employees with depression.

OBJECTIVE: To test a new program's effectiveness in reducing depression's work burden. METHODS: A brief telephonic program to improve work functioning was tested in an early-stage randomized controlled trial involving 79 Maine State Government employees who were screened in for depression and at-work limitations (treatment group = 59; usual care group = 27). Group differences in baseline to follow-up change scores on the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), WLQ Absence Module, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 depression severity scale were tested with analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Although there were no baseline group differences (P ≥ 0.05), by follow-up, the treatment group had significantly better scores on every outcome and differences in the longitudinal changes were all statistically significant (P = 0.0.27 to 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The new program was superior to usual care. The estimated productivity cost savings is $6041.70 per participant annually.

The impact of precancerous cervical lesions on functioning at work and work productivity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the work performance and productivity impact of human papillomavirus (HPV). METHODS: A cross-sectional study compared 94 employed women with clinically significant HPV-related cervical lesions with 118 healthy controls. Data were collected by self-administered web-based questionnaire. At-work performance limitations and productivity loss (presenteeism) and absenteeism were measured. Univariate and multivariate case-control group and clinical subgroup differences were tested. RESULTS: Based on adjusted mean scores, the HPV group had significantly more at-work limitations and productivity loss than controls (P = 0.009), higher absence rates (P = 0.002), and significantly more productivity loss because of absences (P = 0.007). At-work limitations varied in association with martial status (P = 0.025); at-work productivity loss was associated with years of education (P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: HPV is costly for working women, their employers, and the economy.

Impaired work performance among women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the work impact of symptomatic uterine fibroids (UFs). METHODS: A cohort study compared 58 employed women with symptomatic UFs to 56 healthy controls. Data sources included a self-administered mail questionnaire and medical charts. At-work performance limitations and productivity loss were measured with the Work Limitations Questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate case-control group differences were tested. RESULTS: Based on adjusted mean scores, the UF group had significantly more at-work limitations and productivity loss than controls, while absence rates were similar. The UF group's performance was impaired 18% of the time on average versus 8% for controls (P-values, 0.005-0.040). At-work limitations were explained by depression symptoms, Non-White race/ethnicity, and poorer health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Fibroids and related symptoms impose a burden on the working lives' of women, their employers, and the economy.