New study shows link between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and work productivity

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (also known as GORD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD or acid reflux disease) is a condition with a particularly high level of disruption to the lives of sufferers in terms of symptoms, activities of daily living and employment.1 A recent study published by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine investigated the link between the incidence of GORD and employees’ attendance and productivity. The findings of the study reveal that GORD is associated with a significant increase in employee’s work absence and a significant decrease in both hourly and annual productivity.4

GORD is a disease of the distal oesophagus and stomach. It involves the inflammation and damage of the lower oesophageal mucosa due to the spontaneous and involuntary reflux of gastric contents, including ingested food, gastric acid and occasionally pancreatic and biliary secretions.^2,3

Previous studies on the association between GORD and absences from work have reported that work interference stems from symptoms that disturb sleep and cause daytime tiredness.⁵ This latest study is the first to examine the associations between GORD, absences and productivity using objective data and specific analysis techniques.

The case-control study measured work absences and on-the-job productivity in a sample of approximately 350,000 employees from several large, national employers in the United States. The researchers examined claims data, including health care, prescription drug, absence, disability and workers compensation data together with employee demographic and payroll data.

The findings of the study reveal that GORD is associated with a significant increase in employee’s work absence and a significant decrease in both hourly and annual productivity. Compared to employees without GORD, employees with GORD had an average of:⁴

41% more sick leave days
59% more short-term disability days
39% more long-term disability days
48% more workers’ compensation days
4.4% lower objective productivity per hour worked; and
6.0% lower annual objective productivity.

The results of the study highlight both an area of concern for employers and an opportunity for improvement of disease management which could lead to improved work productivity.

Proton pump inhibitors are used to relieve symptoms of GORD as they supress acid production in the stomach.⁸ One PPI example is pantoprazole (Somac) can be administered intravenously or orally.⁹ It is an effective treatment for GORD by blocking the gastric acid secretion pump as it has a longer duration of action¹⁰ and provides faster symptomatic relief.¹¹

References

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