Work-Related Lost Productivity and Its Economic Impact on Canadian Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis impacts many different areas of a patient's life, including work productivity. There is no information regarding lost productivity owing to psoriasis in a Canadian population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the lost productivity of Canadian patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. METHODS: Seventy-nine consecutive Canadian dermatology patients were interviewed and completed the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAIQ). RESULTS: On average, 2.2 hours (+/- 5.6 hours) were lost from work per week owing to psoriasis-related events. Absence from work may result in lost mean patient wages of C$2,270.84 per person per year. Total lost wages owing to moderate to severe psoriasis may cost up to approximately $749 million for all moderate to severe psoriasis patients in Canada. CONCLUSION: The results from our study indicate that moderate to severe psoriasis may have a substantial impact on the work productivity of patients with this disease.