Chronic conditions and work

Chronic conditions refer to diseases and health conditions that last a long time and generally progress slowly. Although they can occur at any age, they become more common later in life. They are often invisible, sometimes episodic (i.e. they come and go) and often characterized by fluctuating symptoms that leave people disabled one day and functional the next. Examples of chronic diseases include arthritis, diabetes, chronic pain, depression and fibromyalgia. IWH research in this area focuses on the effects of chronic disease on work participation and productivity, as well as the effectiveness of job accommodations, benefits and other programs to ensure workers with chronic disease can stay at, or return to, work.

A man kneels as he works with decking boards on a patio
Sharing Best Evidence

Work activities and the development of osteoarthritis in men and women

A systematic review by the Institute for Work & Health finds strong and moderate evidence that work exposures—including lifting, cumulative physical loads, full-body vibration and kneeling/squatting/bending—can increase the risks of osteoarthritis in men and women. No increased risk was found for sitting, standing and walking (hip and knee osteoarthritis); lifting and carrying (knee osteoarthritis); climbing ladders (knee osteoarthritis); driving (knee osteoarthritis); and highly repetitive tasks (hand osteoarthritis).
Published: June 2020
Journal article
The Conversation logo
IWH in the media

Coronavirus: The risks to essential workers with hidden health conditions

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many in Canada’s workforce worried about their health and finances. Those worries are even greater for workers living with an underlying and invisible chronic health condition. In the planning of health and safety responses to COVID-19 and the ultimate reopening of workplaces, employers should be aware of the unique needs of this potentially vulnerable group of workers, writes IWH Scientist Dr. Arif Jetha in The Conversation.
Published: The Conversation, April 2020
The Globe and Mail logo
IWH in the media

Despite social distancing, many front-line public workers feel the strain

Stress and anxiety are rising among staff who work customer-facing jobs and feel their work environments may put their health and safety at risk, writes Andrea Yu. Many vulnerable front-line workers, for example those with pre-existing health conditions, may feel like they lack the power to voice their concerns, says IWH Scientist Dr. Arif Jetha in the article.
Published: The Globe and Mail, March 2020
Journal article
Journal article

Long working hours and the prevalence of masked and sustained hypertension

Published: Hypertension, February 2020
Journal article
Journal article

Male/female differences in the impact of caring for elderly relatives on labor market attachment and hours of work: 1997-2015

Published: The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, February 2020
Stone arches and stain glass windows in the interior of the Canadian Parliament
Impact case study

IWH researchers help MPs examine episodic disabilities and work issues

IWH senior scientists presented expert testimony to a federal standing committee looking at the needs of people with episodic disabilities—an example of how research can support policy-makers in addressing important societal issues.
Published: November 2019
Journal article
Journal article

Exposure to crystalline silica in Canadian workplaces and the risk of kidney cancer

Published: Occupational and Environmental Medicine, September 2019