The Association Between Chronic Conditions and Non-Agricultural Work Productivity Loss Among the Middle-Aged Chinese Population

Objective: To measure the association between different chronic conditions and non-agricultural work productivity loss among the middle-aged Chinese population. Methods: We used 2011, 2013, and 2015 data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The study focused on middle-aged respondents who had the potential to work in the non-agricultural sector. Work productivity loss was measured by non-agricultural work participation and number of absent workdays among those conducting non-agricultural work. Seven different chronic conditions were considered. Results: Heart diseases had the strongest association with lower work participation for men and women. Stomach/ digestive disease and arthritis/rheumatism were conditions with the largest incremental absent workdays for men and women, respectively. Conclusions: The associations with non-agricultural work productivity loss varied by chronic conditions, outcomes, and sex. The findings will help motivate chronic condition prevention/management programs and set priorities.