Employment Status of Patients With Liver Disease: A Nationwide Questionnaire Survey in Japan.

Abstract

Aim: Patients with chronic liver disease often experience significant physical, psychological, and financial burdens. These burdens result from repeated long-term hospital visits or admissions caused by progression to decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with viral liver disease may fear discrimination or social prejudice. This study aimed to clarify the employment status of patients with liver disease in Japan and provide basic data to promote support for balancing treatment and work responsibilities.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey on employment was conducted among patients attending 22 hospitals across Japan.

Results: Of the 4022 respondents, 2183 were analyzed, including 1694 (77.6%) participants with liver disease. Patients with liver disease were predominantly male and in their 60 s. Disclosure of health information to the workplace was significantly lower among patients with viral liver disease (80.8%) than among those without liver disease or with nonviral liver disease. The intention to continue working after diagnosis was significantly higher among patients with malignancies than among those without. However, this intention did not significantly differ between liver disease and non-liver disease groups. The awareness rate of the support system for balancing treatment and work program was 27.1%, with no significant difference observed between the liver disease and malignancy groups. Awareness was significantly higher in large workplaces, where full-time occupational health physicians are mandated.

Conclusion: Workers with viral liver disease may hesitate to disclose their condition owing to fear of discrimination or prejudice. Therefore, raising awareness of support systems that protect all workers with illnesses, while considering stigma and discrimination, is essential.