Workplace Indirect Cost Impacts of Nasal and Sinus Symptoms and Related Conditions.

Abstract

Evaluate associations of nasal and sinus and related symptoms, as well as selected health conditions which produce those symptoms, with total lost productive time (LPT) at work in the past 2 weeks. We used a cross-sectional analysis of 2402 currently working subjects. Self-reported physician diagnoses, condition statuses measured with standardized instruments, and symptom-based factor scores from an exploratory factor analysis were used in survey weighted log-binomial regression. Pain and pressure, nasal blockage and discharge, and asthma and constitutional symptom factor scores as well as self-reported allergic rhinitis were associated with higher total LPT. Individuals who met operationalized criteria for multiple health conditions, especially chronic rhinosinusitis, had the greatest total LPT. Better management of these symptoms, and awareness of how they impact an individual's ability to perform job-functions in the workplace, could improve overall productivity.