Association of unmet healthcare needs with health-related productivity loss, work ability, and work engagement

This study examines the association of unmet healthcare needs (UHNs) with health-related productivity loss (HRPL), work ability, and work engagement among Korean workers. We analyzed 6,633 workers from two waves (August 2023 and September 2024) of the Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study, a nationwide panel survey. UHNs were assessed based on self-reported experiences of forgoing necessary medical care. HRPL, work ability, and work engagement were measured using validated instruments. The generalized estimating equation models to repeated measurements applied to examine associations between UHNs and labor-related outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Workers with UHNs had a 9.517 percentage point higher HRPL, 3.348-fold higher odds of poor work ability, and 1.506-fold higher odds of low work engagement compared with those without UHNs. Among causes of UHNs, financial constraints were associated with the largest increases in HRPL, poor work ability and low work engagement. These findings suggest that inadequate access to healthcare not only affects individual health but also has substantial implications for labor outcomes. Policy interventions to reduce UHNs, particularly for financially vulnerable workers, may improve both health and labor outcomes.