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Vol.63 No.6 contents | Japanese/English |
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- Original Article -
Association of Age with Perceived Economic Deprivation in Mesothelioma Patients -Focusing on Changes in Employment Status-
Taiki Fukujin1, Sayuri Kageyama2, Kanako Komaru2, Yoshiaki Nakajima2, Taeko Fujihara2, Shinji Yamanaka2, Koro Suzuki2, Keiichi Matsushima2, Takao Migita21Hyogo Medical University, Japan, 2Mesothelioma Support Caravan, Japan
Objective. Mesothelioma patients can use the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act or Asbestos Health Damage Relief System. However, the resolution of economic problems varies from person to person, and the factors that contribute to such differences have not yet been clarified. In this paper, we examine the factors and issues that cause patients to become aware of financial difficulties based on changes in their employment status. Study Design. A questionnaire survey was administered to patients, and a multiple regression analysis using a stepwise method was conducted with economic deprivation as the dependent variable and 5 items related to the status of certification and application to the system and 7 items related to the status of employment as independent variables. We also compared the number of occurrences of perceived economic deprivation at around 60 years of age. Results. When the number of patients who indicated "Asbestos Health Damage Relief System certification" and "Temporary retirement" increased, the number of patients who indicated that they were "aware of economic hardship" also increased. When the employment status was compared at around 60 years of age, "continuous employment" and "leave of absence" were significantly more common among respondents younger than 60 years of age, while "unemployed/pensioner" was significantly more common among respondents older than 60 years of age. Conclusion. It was found that perceived financial distress was more likely be reported by patients who had taken a leave of absence after the onset of mesothelioma and patients who had been certified under the Asbestos Health Damage Relief System, especially patients younger 60 years of age who were more likely to lose income from employment and to have an unstable financial base. Therefore, it is necessary to review the design of the system and expand counseling support for young and middle-aged people who used to be employed.
key words: Mesothelioma, Economic distress, Changes in work continuity
Received: October 11, 2022
Accepted: June 6, 2023
JJLC 63 (6): 857-863, 2023
