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.
Lerner
Debra
D
Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA. dlerner@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
Parsons
Susan K
SK
Justicia-Linde
Faye
F
Chelmow
David
D
Chang
Hong
H
Rogers
William H
WH
Greenhill
Annabel M
AM
Perch
Katherine
K
Kruzikas
Denise
D
D000041:Absenteeism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004526:Efficiency; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000191:economics*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000191:economics*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000191:economics* / Q000821:virology; D014937:Work; D055815:Young Adult