Productivity Loss and Associated Costs Among Patients with Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the indirect burden of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: Adult patients with TDT were enrolled during blood transfusion sessions. Productivity loss for patients in the preceding four weeks was reported using the validated iMTA Productivity Cost Questionnaire (iPCQ). RESULTS: A total of 161 adult patients with TDT were included in the study. The annual total productivity loss cost at paid work among 79 employed patients was AED 17,230 (USD 4691) (95% CI: 12,302–22,159), out of which absenteeism contributed AED 10,328 (USD 2812) and presenteeism contributed AED 6902 (USD 1879), whereas the annual total productivity loss cost at unpaid work was AED 4053 (USD 1104) (95% CI: 3471–4661). The annual mean total indirect cost for paid and unpaid work was AED 21,283 (USD 5795). Monthly income, nationality, and having two and more disease complications were the significant predictors of higher productivity loss costs. Having previously had a splenectomy was a negative and significant predictor of productivity loss costs. CONCLUSION: TDT was associated with substantial productivity loss and indirect costs in the UAE. Health policies that aim to control transfusion-dependent thalassemia effectively are necessary and could result in cost savings for patients and employers.