Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) announces that the results of a joint study on work productivity by disease among Japanese workers have been published in the academic journal Journal of Occupational Health, issued by the Japan Society for Occupational Health.
(Work productivity by diseases diagnosed among workers: a study using large-scale claims data and survey data of workers in Japan | Journal of Occupational Health | Oxford Academic)

The study, titled Work productivity by diseases diagnosed among workers: a study using large-scale claims data and survey data of workers in Japan, was conducted jointly by Otsuka and DeSC Healthcare Inc. (DeSC Healthcare). The aim was to clarify the actual state of productivity loss due to various diseases among Japanese workers and to estimate the cost of such losses. Using a large-scale database combining health insurance claims and health survey data from 31,540 employed individuals across diverse occupations, the study evaluated productivity loss due to absenteeism (missed work) and presenteeism (reduced productivity during work time) by disease type.

Key Findings:

• Depression, anxiety disorders, and migraines were associated with high levels of both absenteeism and presenteeism, despite their relatively low prevalence, in both male and female workers
• Presenteeism was significantly impacted by psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and insomnia, across both sexes
• Absenteeism was notably affected by bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and migraines in men, and by migraines, depression, insomnia, and diarrheal diseases in women
• Diseases with high prevalence and high presenteeism in both sexes included esophageal, gastric, and duodenal disorders, as well as allergic rhinitis
• Menstrual disorders, which are specific to women, affected both absenteeism and presenteeism, with a particularly strong impact on presenteeism. Additionally, atopic dermatitis had a greater impact on both absenteeism and presenteeism in women compared to men
• The cost of productivity loss due to presenteeism significantly exceeded that of absenteeism

• The average monthly productivity loss per person, based on income levels, was:
  • Absenteeism: ¥5,569 (men), ¥4,403 (women)
  • Presenteeism: ¥39,935 (men), ¥39,004 (women)

In Japan, the declining birthrate and aging population have led to a significant reduction in the labor force and a rise in healthcare expenditures. Under these circumstances, maintaining and improving the health and productivity of each individual worker has become a critical issue for ensuring the sustainability of both businesses and society. Employees' health problems manifest as absenteeism and presenteeism, significantly impacting corporate activities. This study provides data that can be utilized by companies to identify diseases that contribute to productivity loss among employees, thereby supporting the advancement of health and productivity management.

Professor Takeo Nakayama of the Department of Health Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, a co-author of the study, commented, "By collecting responses to the work productivity assessment scale through an application from individuals enrolled in health insurance associations, and linking these responses with their health insurance claims data, we were able to gain a comprehensive understanding of which diseases contribute to productivity loss among Japan's working-age population. This represents a meaningful outcome achieved through the integration of claims data and app-based evaluation data. Further analysis is expected to yield more detailed research findings."

Otsuka will continue to advance research that contributes to the promotion of health and productivity management across diverse business environments.

About Otsuka
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a total healthcare company that focuses on each individual's potential to enhance their well-being. Our medical-related business provides treatments and diagnostics for both physical and mental health. Our nutraceutical business supports daily health maintenance and improvement. Otsuka's unique products and services are based on scientific evidence, under the guidance of our corporate philosophy: Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide.