The Factors associated with Impaired Work Ability of Hyperthyroid Working Population in EEC Region

Authors

  • Apiradee Vararungzarit Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Burapha University.
  • Alisara Wongsuttilert Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Burapha University.
  • Sathapakorn Siriwong Department of Internal Medicine, Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital.
  • Pajaree Abdullakasim Department of Health Education, Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University.
  • Wanlop Jaidee Department of Fundamentals of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The hyperthyroid disease is one of the chronic diseases with a higher incidence in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Thailand. Not only does the disease affect physical health of the patients but may also have impact on their working ability while increasing risks of chronic absenteeism.

OBJECTIVE: To study the factors associated with decreased working ability of the working-age population with the toxic thyroid disease in the EEC, Thailand.

METHODS: This study was a prospective cross-sectional study among 311 Thai nationals aged 18 to 59 with the toxic thyroid disease. They have been living in provinces of Chachoengsao, Cholburi and Rayong for no less than 1 year and have been receiving medical treatments at Burapha University Hospital and Somdej Phra Boramrachathewi Hospital in Sriracha, Thai Red Cross, between February and August, 2019. Data were collected using questionnaires to assess the patient's quality of life and working ability. A simple logistic regression method was used to determine the factors associated with the decreased working ability of the sample at the confidence level of 95% and statistical significance of p < 0.05.

RESULTS: It was found that 15.1% of patients had decreased ability to work. Occupational factors were negatively correlated with significantly decreased ability to work (OR = 0.409, 95%CI 0.201-0.832, p=0.014). The top 5 working limitations of the patients in this study were lacking vigilance or making mistakes more often than usual (37.3 %), increased effort at work or daily activities (28.9 %), difficulty in doing outdoor activities (28.3 %) and reduced time spent on work, hobbies or other daily activities (23.2 %), respectively. A greater proportion of patients with the decreased working ability had limitations in the earlier stated five factors than those with the markedly adequate work ability (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION: The toxic thyroid disease affected nearly 1 in 6 working-age patients, with reduced working ability. Suggession : Development of a physical and mental performance promotion program for this group of patients will enable them to work closer to normal with reduced risks of absenteeism

References

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Published

2022-08-31