Economic Theory and Self-Reported Measures of Presenteeism in Musculoskeletal Disease

This study had two objectives: to describe the historical
development of self-reported presenteeism instruments
that can be used to identify and measure presenteeism as a
result of musculoskeletal disease (MSD) and to identify if,
and how many of these, presenteeism instruments are
underpinned by economic theory. Systematic search methods
were applied to identify self-report instruments used to quantify
presenteeism caused by MSD. A total of 24 self-reported
presenteeism instruments were identified; 24 were designed
for use in general health, and 1 was specifically designed for
use in rheumatoid arthritis. One generic self-reported
presenteeism instrument was explicitly reported to be
underpinned by economic theory. Overtime, self-reported
presenteeism instruments have become more differentiated
and complex by incorporating many different contextual factors
that may impact levels of presenteeism. Researchers are
encouraged to further develop presenteeism instruments that
are underpinned by relevant economic theory and informed by
robust empirical research.