Work disability and diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the rates and demographic determinants of work disability, hours worked per week, work-loss days, and wages in individuals with diabetes.


METHODS
A probit regression analysis was performed on a cross-sectional population-based survey of U.S. noninstitutionalized civilian population (National Medical Expenditures Survey--2, 1987). The sample was restricted to individuals aged > or = 25 years. A total of 1,502 individuals reported having diabetes, and 20,405 did not. Information on workforce participation and income were collected quarterly. Work disability was defined as a self-report of having been unable to work because of illness or disability for > or = 2 quarters in 1987.


RESULTS
Work disability was reported by 25.6% of individuals with diabetes, compared with 7.8% of those without diabetes. Work disability rates were higher for older people, females, and African-Americans, and lower for Hispanics and for individuals with greater non-wage income. Individuals with diabetes engaged in the workforce had more work-loss days than did nondiabetic individuals, but had similar hourly wages. Predicted mean earnings were significantly lower for individuals with diabetes at all ages, resulting in $4.7 million loss in earnings in 1987 due to work disability.


CONCLUSIONS
Work disability is significantly higher for individuals with diabetes than for those without diabetes at all ages, and results in a significant decrease in earnings. A disproportionate burden of work disability is borne by older individuals and women with diabetes. Better information on the determinants of work disability in individuals with diabetes is needed.
Mayfield
J A
JA
Department of Family Practice, Bowen Research Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA.
Deb
P
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Whitecotton
L
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D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data