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The cost of lost productivity due to premature mortality associated with COVID-19: a Pan-European study

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Hanly

    (National College of Ireland)

  • Michelle Ahern

    (National College of Ireland)

  • Linda Sharp

    (Newcastle University)

  • Diana Ursul

    (National College of Ireland)

  • Gerard Loughnane

    (National College of Ireland)

Abstract

Background Economic cost estimates have the potential to provide a valuable alternative perspective on the COVID-19 burden. We estimate the premature mortality productivity costs associated with COVID-19 across Europe. Methods We calculated excess deaths between the date the cumulative total of COVID-19 deaths reached 10 in a country to 15th May 2020 for nine countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland). Gender- and age-specific excess deaths and Years of Potential Productive Life Lost (YPPLL) between 30 and 74 years were calculated and converted into premature mortality productivity costs €2020 for paid and unpaid work using the Human Capital and the Proxy Good Approaches. Costs were discounted at 3.5%. Results Total estimated excess deaths across the nine countries were 18,614 (77% in men) and YPPLL were 134,190 (77% male). Total paid premature mortality costs were €1.07 billion (87% male) with Spain (€0.35 billion, 33.0% of total), Italy (€0.22 billion; 20.6%) and The Netherlands (€0.19 billion; 17.5%) ranking highest. Total paid and unpaid premature mortality costs were €2.89 billion (77% male). Premature mortality costs per death ranged between €40,382 (France) and €350,325 (Switzerland). Spain experienced the highest premature mortality cost as a proportion of Gross Domestic Product (0.11%). Conclusion Even in the initial period of the pandemic in Europe, COVID-19-related premature mortality costs were significant across Europe. We provide policy makers and researchers with a valuable alternative perspective on the burden of the virus and highlight potential economic savings that may be accrued by applying timely public health measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Hanly & Michelle Ahern & Linda Sharp & Diana Ursul & Gerard Loughnane, 2022. "The cost of lost productivity due to premature mortality associated with COVID-19: a Pan-European study," The European Journal of Health Economics, Springer;Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gesundheitsökonomie (DGGÖ), vol. 23(2), pages 249-259, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujhec:v:23:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s10198-021-01351-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10198-021-01351-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Kozlov Vladimir & Pahomii Irina & Gagauz Olga & Šmit Jelena, 2024. "Covid-19 Mortality Shock: Demographic and Economic Losses in Moldova," Comparative Southeast European Studies, De Gruyter, vol. 72(1), pages 135-148, March.
    3. Huihui Wang & Wu Zeng & Kenneth Munge Kabubei & Jennifer J. K. Rasanathan & Jacob Kazungu & Sandile Ginindza & Sifiso Mtshali & Luis E. Salinas & Amanda McClelland & Marine Buissonniere & Christopher , 2023. "Modelling the economic burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care workers in four countries," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    4. Alm James & Barreto Raul A., 2024. "Trust in Government in a Changing World: Shocks, Tax Evasion, and Economic Growth," The B.E. Journal of Macroeconomics, De Gruyter, vol. 24(1), pages 439-487, January.

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