The Impact of Work Absences on Health Services Utilization and Costs Among Employed Individuals With Depression.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether work absences are associated with increased health services utilization, total health care costs, and depression-related costs among employed individuals, aged 18 to 64 years with depression. This was a retrospective observational study using pooled data from the 2011 to 2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Employed individuals with depression were identified using ICD-9 codes and Clinical Classification code. Logistic regression, Poisson regression, and generalized linear models were used for analysis. Individuals with depression who reported work absences had greater odds of having a hospitalization event [odds ratio (OR): 7.111; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 3.121 to 16.203], higher number of other health care visits (β = 0.188, P = 0.041), and had higher total health care costs (β = 0.550, P ≤ 0.001) than individuals with no work absences. Among employed individuals with depression, self-reported work absence is associated with significantly higher health care utilization and total health care costs.