Employment Status and Work Ability in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

Veruscka Leso, Vincenzo Carnovale, Paola Iacotucci, Daniela Pacella, Rosaria Romano, Ilaria Della Volpe and Ivo Iavicoli
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Veruscka Leso: Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Vincenzo Carnovale: Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Paola Iacotucci: Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Daniela Pacella: Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Rosaria Romano: Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Ilaria Della Volpe: Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Ivo Iavicoli: Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-13

Abstract: Improvements in the survival and clinical outcomes of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients raised questions about their workforce participation and capacity to work. One hundred and ninety-six outpatients, attending the Adult CF Center of an Italian University Hospital, were enrolled between May 2020 and March 2021. The patients’ personal and clinical characteristics, employment status, and profession were assessed. The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire—Revised and the work ability index (WAI) were employed to assess CF health-related quality of life and the employee’s perception of their ability to work, respectively. Among the enrolled patients, 98 (50%) were employed. The non-working subjects were significantly younger (mean age ± standard deviation: 30 ± 10 vs. 37 ± 10 years) and were diagnosed with CF significantly earlier (9 ± 13 vs. 17 ± 18 years) than the employed subjects. The vast majority of CF workers (82.6%) were employed in tertiary professions. A general good work ability perception was determined in the employed population. Aging and being employed for >15 years could significantly predict a reduction in work ability, while a better quality of life was a positive predictor for its enhancement. Although further research is necessary, these results may introduce interdisciplinary CF healthcare management that includes a work function assessment, formal career counseling, and job guidance to support the personal, social and professional lives of CF patients.

Keywords: cystic fibrosis; work ability; employment; capacity to work; occupational health; professional life; quality of life; disease management; social inclusion; career counseling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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