[Impact of allergic rhinitis on work productivity: a pilot study].
BACKGROUND
Allergic rhinitis can interfere with cognitive function, can impair work productivity, and may cause work absences. In this study, we evaluated the impact of Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP) on work productivity.


METHODS
The study was conducted between February 24 and March 8, 2003 (peak pollen season), and 512 workers with JCP were enrolled. Study outcomes included self-reported work productivity (absenteeism and presenteeism) and quality of life (the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36).


RESULTS
Most patients (91%) did not lose their work time due to JCP during the past 7 days. Approximately half of patients reported a 25% reduction in productivity compared with non pollination season. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the following factors were selected as independent risk factors for lost work time: duration of disease (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.658) and itching eyes (aOR = 1.552). Likewise, SF-36 PCS (aOR = 0.946), MCS (aOR = 0.927) and using pollinosis relief products (aOR = 2.020) were predictors of lost productivity.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that we should pay more attention to ocular symptoms as well as nasal symptoms and improve patients' quality of life as soon as possible in order to reduce productivity losses.
Kakutani
Chieko
C
School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University.
Ogino
Satoshi
S
Ikeda
Hiroki
H
Enomoto
Tadao
T
D000041:Absenteeism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000209:etiology; D017281:Cost of Illness; D032485:Cryptomeria; D004526:Efficiency; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011058:Pollen / Q000009:adverse effects; D011788:Quality of Life; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000209:etiology; D012621:Seasons; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires