Productivity Loss, Healthcare Costs, and Habitual Physical Activity among Adults with Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Objectives The aims of the study are to quantify the relationship between productivity loss and healthcare costs among adults with cardiovascular diseases and also to verify whether habitual physical activity (HPA) modulates this relationship. Methods Information was obtained about healthcare costs, productivity loss, and HPA. Results The sample consisted of 278 adults. Active workers who reported presenteeism and absenteeism due to cardiovascular diseases had higher direct costs (P < 0.05) than those who reported other reasons. Those who reported absenteeism spent US $187.33 more on healthcare services annually than those who did not miss work because of health reasons. However, an annual savings of US $53.00 was observed for each increase in the score of HPA. Conclusions There was a positive correlation between absenteeism and direct healthcare costs among adults with cardiovascular diseases, and HPA positively affected this relationship.