Labour force participation among individuals with hepatitis C in the US.
BACKGROUND
In 1996, the number of persons newly infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the US was estimated to be 36 000. As a chronic disease that primarily affects younger persons, hepatitis C has the potential to influence employment considerably.


OBJECTIVE
To estimate employment effects associated with hepatitis C morbidity.


METHODS
An economic model of labour supply, which used the outcome measure workforce participation (yes/no), was applied.


METHODS
The study samples (by gender) were comprised of persons 18-65 years of age, with and without serological evidence of HCV infection, and with normal or elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III from 1988-1994.


RESULTS
After controlling for the potential confounding effects of demographic, social, and economic factors, positive HCV status/normal ALT level in males was associated with a 10.7% reduction in labour force participation (when compared with negative HCV status). Positive HCV status and elevated ALT levels was associated with a 17.5% reduction in employment. The results for females were not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Nationally, the employment response for HCV-positive status and elevated ALT levels translates into an excess non-employment of 48 000 males annually.
Jacobs
Philip
P
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta and Institute of Health Economics, #1200-10405 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3N4, Canada. philip.jacobs@ualberta.ca
Ng
Ying Chu
YC
Stafinski
Tania
T
Dodd
Roger
R
Larke
Bryce
B
Wong
Winnie
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018803:Models, Economic; D014478:Unemployment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D000410:Alanine Transaminase