RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the lost productivity cost of temporary work absenteeism due to COVID-19. METHODS: This study conducted on all hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in northeastern Iran between February 2020 and March 2022 (10,406 cases). Data were collected from the Hospital Information System. Indirect costs were estimated using the human capital approach. Data were analyzed with the STATA version 17. RESULTS: The total indirect cost of work absenteeism due to COVID-19 was estimated at $513,688. There was a statistically significant relationship between the mean lost productivity cost and COVID-19 peak, sex, insurance type, age, and hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Because the absenteeism costs of COVID-19 had increased in the second peak, which coincided with the summer holidays, the country's crisis management headquarters should pay more attention to formulating and implementing appropriate preventive programs in future epidemics.