Societal and Economic Impact of Informal Caregiving for Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Productivity-Adjusted Life Year (PALY) Study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal conditions (MSCs) are a leading cause of disability and chronic pain globally, yet the long-term economic impact on informal caregivers remains underexplored. The productivity-adjusted life year (PALY) framework offers a novel method for estimating lifetime productivity losses associated with caregiving, providing a broader societal perspective than conventional short-term productivity metrics. OBJECTIVE: To quantify long-term productivity and health-related quality of life among informal caregivers of individuals with MSCs in Australia, using PALYs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over 30 years. METHODS: A dynamic life-table model was developed to simulate..