Productivity Losses Due to Long-Term Back Problems in Working-Age Australians

What is the estimated cost of long-term back problems through early exit from the workforce, presenteeism, and absenteeism?In this modeling study using a dynamic population model, 3 258 612 Australians were projected to have long-term back problems by 2033, equating to an estimated loss of 638 billion Australian dollars in Australia’s gross domestic product over a 10-year period (2024-2033).These findings suggest that action is needed to reduce long-term back problems by supporting workforce retention and improving care.

Corresponding Author: Sean I. Docking, PhD, Musculoskeletal Health and Wiser Health Care Units, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Level 4, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia (sean.docking@monash.edu).

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