The effects of chronic migraine on labour productivity: Evidence from Italy

Abstract

We use the Italian Statistical Institute survey that comprises about 80,000 questionnaires representative of the overall population between 15 and 90 years old to estimate the impact of chronic migraine on absenteeism and labour productivity. Using an ordinary least squares method to determine the direct effect of chronic migraine on labour productivity, we show that a 10 per cent increase in the number of people with chronic migraine increases absenteeism by 11 per cent and reduces labour productivity by 1.1 per cent per year. However, the effects of chronic migraine on absenteeism and labour productivity vary substantially between regions and sectors. Also, the comorbidity of chronic migraine with other illnesses, especially psychological illnesses, contributes to decreasing labour productivity. Most important, the results obtained at the micro level are similar and even more robust at the macro level. The results refer to a specific country, but we claim they can apply to other countries.