title: Absenteeism due to Functional Limitations Caused by Seven Common Chronic Diseases in US Workers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study examined the relationship between functional limitation due to chronic diseases and absenteeism among full-time workers. The studied chronic diseases include arthritis/rheumatism, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, lung disease, and stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed data from the 2011 to 2013 National Health Interview Survey. Economic impact was determined by workdays lost and lost income.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Increase in absenteeism was observed for each studied condition. Employees with multiple conditions also saw increase absenteeism. Employers lose 28.2 million workdays annually ($4.95 billion in lost income) due to functional limitation caused by chronic diseases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results show a burden on society due to functional limitation caused by studied chronic diseases. Employers should look into implementing intervention/prevention programs, such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs, to help reduce the cost associated with absenteeism.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Biostatistics, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health (Mr Vuong, Dr Wei) and College of Nursing (Dr Beverly), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock.
authors.forename: Tam D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Vuong
authors.forename: Feifei
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Claudia J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Beverly
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology