The fraction of disability pensions attributable to smoking and obesity. Results from a 15-year follow-up study

TY - JOUR

T1 - The fraction of disability pensions attributable to smoking and obesity. Results from a 15-year follow-up study

AU - Lund, Thomas

AU - Labriola, Merete

AU - Feveile, Helene

AU - Christensen, Karl Bang

PY - 2010/6

Y1 - 2010/6

N2 - Objective the aim of this study was to estimate the fraction of permanent disability pensions among the working population in Denmark that can be attributed to differences in health behaviour.Methods a total of 8,287 employees were interviewed regarding health behaviour, work environment and general health.They were followed in a national register on granted disability pensions.Cox regression analysis was performed, and attributable fractions were calculated.Results the analysis showed a 48% and 79% risk increase for female heavy and moderate smokers, respectively (attributable fraction 19.7%), and a 74% risk increase for BMI<18.5 (attributable fraction 6.1%).Male heavy smokers had a 67% excess risk of disability pension (attributable fraction 15.7%).Conclusions Smoking was an independent disability pension predictor regardless of age, work environment factors and baseline general health status.Workplace-based smoking cessation could substantially decrease permanent disability retirement from work.

AB - Objective the aim of this study was to estimate the fraction of permanent disability pensions among the working population in Denmark that can be attributed to differences in health behaviour.Methods a total of 8,287 employees were interviewed regarding health behaviour, work environment and general health.They were followed in a national register on granted disability pensions.Cox regression analysis was performed, and attributable fractions were calculated.Results the analysis showed a 48% and 79% risk increase for female heavy and moderate smokers, respectively (attributable fraction 19.7%), and a 74% risk increase for BMI<18.5 (attributable fraction 6.1%).Male heavy smokers had a 67% excess risk of disability pension (attributable fraction 15.7%).Conclusions Smoking was an independent disability pension predictor regardless of age, work environment factors and baseline general health status.Workplace-based smoking cessation could substantially decrease permanent disability retirement from work.

U2 - 10.1007/s10389-009-0304-3

DO - 10.1007/s10389-009-0304-3

M3 - Journal article

SN - 1741-3842

VL - 18

SP - 251

EP - 254

JO - Journal of Public Health

JF - Journal of Public Health

IS - 3

ER -