Association Between Suboptimal Health Status and Health-Related Productivity Loss in Primary Healthcare Workers in China: a Cross-Sectional Survey.

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the association between suboptimal health status and health-related productivity loss among primary healthcare workers in China. Material and Methods: A field questionnaire survey was conducted with a multistage sampling among primary healthcare workers. The data on sub-health and health-related productivity loss were collected using the Sub-health Measurement Scale Version 1.0 and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire General Health, respectively. Ordinary least squares regression was used to evaluate the association of the suboptimal health and health-related productivity loss. Subgroup analyses were performed by occupation (physician and nurse). Results: Front-line primary healthcare workers (N = 1709) from 31 provinces in China responded to the survey. Of all participants, 73.43% experienced suboptimal health. The status of being in physical suboptimal health (Coef. = 0.050, p < 0.001, 95% CI = [0.031,0.070]) and mental suboptimal health (Coef. = 0.040, p < 0.001, 95% CI = [0.020,0.059]) status exerted significant effect on the extent of health-related productivity loss among primary healthcare workers in China. Nurses in social adaptation suboptimal health status (Coef. = 0.030, p = 0.027, 95% CI = [0.003,0.057]) had significant effect on health-related productivity loss. Conclusion: The prevalence of suboptimal health is high among the respondents. Providing support for primary healthcare workers from bio-psycho-social aspects is an effective measure to promote their occupational health and improve their productivity.