Search

AbstractPurposeMaterials and methodsResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONHealth-related low back pain costs can be direct monetary, indirect monetary, or intangible, non-monetary. The purpose of this review was to identify the intangible, non-monetary costs of low back pain from the perspective of the individual.A scoping review of literature was undertaken. Four databases were searched up to 6th August 2024. Data were charted and coded using deductively derived categories in line with our purpose; additional categories were developed for text that did not fit these categories. Data were analysed using directed content analysis.Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Six categories were derived from the data, which express the experience of the person with low back pain: Perceptions of pain, Experience of healthcare, Becoming defined by low back pain, Life on hold, My social self, and Disrupted work life. Each category explored an aspect of life affected by low back pain.This review highlights that low back pain profoundly affects many areas, with implications for peoples’ personal, social, and work lives. Our findings suggest that suffering can be reduced when healthcare practitioners show empathy and legitimise the lived experience of low back pain, acknowledging the restrictions it imposes on peoples’ lives.Intangible costs of low back pain are less frequently reported than direct or indirect monetary costs, so may be under-recognised in service planning.There needs to be recognition of, and empathy for, the impact low back pain has on all areas of life.The search for a definitive diagnosis from a person with low back pain is frequently caused by a need for legitimisation.Healthcare practitioners need to identify people with low back pain at risk of a poor outcome early in treatment to minimise the risk of chronicity and the concomitant intangible costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aims of study are to estimate the indirect costs and intangible costs of RA in Morocco and to identify the factors likely to influence these costs among suffering patients. Methods: In the current study, data were collected by face‐to‐face interviews using a questionnaire in addition to the patient's files. Indirect costs including productivity losses and formal care, and intangible costs such as the cessation of physical and leisure activities, family care and divorce or remaining single until menopause's age for women due to the disease were reported for 110 RA patients. Results: The results show that among patients who lost totally or partially their salary, the annual average costs is $2337.73 ± 1649.80 per patient, with a minimum and a maximum of $600 and $9630 respectively. As regards formal care, only 13 patients reported that they paid for care services; the annual average cost was $421.84 ± 261.34 with a minimum of $252 and a maximum of $1200. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between annual lost salary and gender (p =.04) disease duration (p =.016) and sport/leisure activities cessation (p =.08). Conclusion: Besides the burden in terms of productivity loss and caregivers' costs, the intangible costs are considerable, especially those related to divorce and spinsterhood. These conclusions may contribute to the understanding of the socio‐economic impact of the disease and to the development of strategies for better governance of RA in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Chronic migraine (CM) is a significant neurological condition affecting a substantial portion of the global population. The economic burden of CM includes both direct healthcare costs and indirect costs resulting from productivity losses and intangible impacts on patients’ quality of life. However, there is limited research that comprehensively evaluates all cost components associated with CM, highlighting the need for a systematic review. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search in databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL to identify studies estimating the cost of illness of chronic migraines. The search was restricted to English language articles published from inception to October 2021, and only findings from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries were included. Methodology features and key findings were extracted from the studies, and reported costs were converted to GBP for cross-country comparisons. Results Thirteen cost-of-illness studies on CM from various OECD countries were included in this review. The studies demonstrated substantial variations in monetary estimates, but consistently highlighted the considerable economic burden of CM. Direct costs, particularly hospitalisation and medication expenses, were identified as the highest contributors. However, indirect costs, such as productivity losses due to absenteeism and presenteeism, were often underexplored in the reviewed studies. Additionally, intangible costs related to emotional and social impacts on patients were largely overlooked. Conclusion Chronic migraine imposes a significant economic burden on individuals, healthcare systems, and society. Policymakers and healthcare stakeholders should consider both direct and indirect cost components, as well as intangible costs, in developing targeted strategies for effective CM management and resource allocation. Further research focusing on comprehensive cost assessments and sensitivity analyses is needed to enhance the understanding of CM’s economic implications and inform evidence-based healthcare policy decisions. Addressing these research gaps can alleviate the economic burden of CM and improve patient outcomes.

Abstract Background The objectives of this study were to investigate the proportion of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) among patients with diagnosed major depressive disorder (MDD) and undergoing antidepressant treatment, to estimate the economic cost of MDD, TRD, and non-treatment-resistant depression (non-TRD), and to examine the differences between TRD and non-TRD MDD in a Thai public tertiary hospital. Methods This was a combined study between retrospective review of medical records and a cross-sectional survey. The sample size was 500 dyads of antidepressant-treated MDD patients and their unpaid caregivers. MDD patients’ medical records, the concept of healthcare resource utilization, the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: depression and mood & mental state versions (WPAI: D, MM), the Class Impairment Questionnaire (CIQ), and the Family Experiences Interview Schedule (FEIS) were applied as the tools of the study. Pearson Chi’s square, Fisher’s Exact test, and independent T-test were employed for statistical analysis. Results The proportion of TRD was 19.6% among antidepressant-treated MDD patients in a Thai tertiary public hospital. The results of the study indicated that several factors showed a statistically significant association with TRD criteria. These factors included younger age of MDD patients, a younger age of onset of MDD, lower body mass index (BMI), a history of suicide attempts and self-harm, as well as frequent smoking behavior. The annualized economic cost of TRD was 276,059.97 baht per person ($7,668.33), which was significantly higher than that of cost of non-TRD (173,487.04 baht or $4,819.08). The aggregated economic costs of MDD were 96.8 million baht annually ($2.69 M) if calculated from 500 MDD patients and unpaid caregivers. This contributed to the economic cost of TRD 27.05 million baht (98 respondents) and the economic cost of non-TRD 69.74 million baht (402 respondents). Conclusions The economic burden associated with TRD was significantly higher compared to non-TRD among antidepressant-treated MDD patients. Specifically, both direct medical costs and indirect costs were notably elevated in the TRD group.

Background: Chronic migraine (CM) is a significant neurological condition affecting a substantial portion of the global population. The economic burden of CM includes both direct healthcare costs and indirect costs resulting from productivity losses and intangible impacts on patients' quality of life. However, there is limited research that comprehensively evaluates all cost components associated with CM, highlighting the need for a systematic review. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL to identify studies estimating the cost of illness of chronic migraines. The search was restricted to English language articles published from inception to October 2021, and only findings from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries were included. Methodology features and key findings were extracted from the studies, and reported costs were converted to GBP for cross-country comparisons. Results: Thirteen cost-of-illness studies on CM from various OECD countries were included in this review. The studies demonstrated substantial variations in monetary estimates, but consistently highlighted the considerable economic burden of CM. Direct costs, particularly hospitalisation and medication expenses, were identified as the highest contributors. However, indirect costs, such as productivity losses due to absenteeism and presenteeism, were often underexplored in the reviewed studies. Additionally, intangible costs related to emotional and social impacts on patients were largely overlooked. Conclusion: Chronic migraine imposes a significant economic burden on individuals, healthcare systems, and society. Policymakers and healthcare stakeholders should consider both direct and indirect cost components, as well as intangible costs, in developing targeted strategies for effective CM management and resource allocation. Further research focusing on comprehensive cost assessments and sensitivity analyses is needed to enhance the understanding of CM's economic implications and inform evidence-based healthcare policy decisions. Addressing these research gaps can alleviate the economic burden of CM and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: given the impact of fragility fractures and their consequences on the lives of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), the objective of this study is to describe and analyze the impact of this kind of fractures on this population. Materials and methods: a survey was conducted among postmenopausal women with fragility fractures in a cross-sectional observational design. Sociodemographic variables, fracture impact (need for care, work productivity), and data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL, assessed using the QUALEFFO-31 questionnaire), and willingness to pay (WTP) to regain HRQoL were collected. Results: a total of 120 women participated, with a mean age of 62 ± 7 years. The most frequent fractures described were distal radius fractures (29.9 %), followed by vertebral fractures (21.3 %). A total of 53.3 % required care during their recovery (76.5 %, informal; 24.9 %, formal), and 4.2 % had to be admitted to a health care or nursing home. Among those who were working when the fracture occurred (62.5 %), 56 % had their working life affected (69.3 %, temporary disability; 17.3 %, permanent disability; 10.7 %, reduced working hours; 10.7 %, quit their jobs; 5.3 %, leave of absence; and 3.6 %, early retirement). The impact of the fracture was primarily due to pain (71.7 %), difficulty performing activities of daily living (48.3 %), mobility problems (46.7 %), and emotional state (41.7 %). The highest WTP was offered to regain the ability to perform activities of daily living and improve the emotional state. The overall QUALEFFO-31 score (0-100) was 49.9 ± 10.8 (mental function, 68.3 ± 7.3; pain, 56 ± 22.6; physical function, 39.3 ± 15.5). Conclusions: fragility fractures play a significant role on the quality of life of women with PMO. It is of paramount importance to value the aspects that concern them the most to optimize their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objectives of this study were to investigate the proportion of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) among patients with diagnosed major depressive disorder (MDD) and undergoing antidepressant treatment, to estimate the economic cost of MDD, TRD, and non-treatment-resistant depression (non-TRD), and to examine the differences between TRD and non-TRD MDD in a Thai public tertiary hospital. Methods: This was a combined study between retrospective review of medical records and a cross-sectional survey. The sample size was 500 dyads of antidepressant-treated MDD patients and their unpaid caregivers. MDD patients' medical records, the concept of healthcare resource utilization, the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: depression and mood & mental state versions (WPAI: D, MM), the Class Impairment Questionnaire (CIQ), and the Family Experiences Interview Schedule (FEIS) were applied as the tools of the study. Pearson Chi's square, Fisher's Exact test, and independent T-test were employed for statistical analysis. Results: The proportion of TRD was 19.6% among antidepressant-treated MDD patients in a Thai tertiary public hospital. The results of the study indicated that several factors showed a statistically significant association with TRD criteria. These factors included younger age of MDD patients, a younger age of onset of MDD, lower body mass index (BMI), a history of suicide attempts and self-harm, as well as frequent smoking behavior. The annualized economic cost of TRD was 276,059.97 baht per person ($7,668.33), which was significantly higher than that of cost of non-TRD (173,487.04 baht or $4,819.08). The aggregated economic costs of MDD were 96.8 million baht annually ($2.69 M) if calculated from 500 MDD patients and unpaid caregivers. This contributed to the economic cost of TRD 27.05 million baht (98 respondents) and the economic cost of non-TRD 69.74 million baht (402 respondents). Conclusions: The economic burden associated with TRD was significantly higher compared to non-TRD among antidepressant-treated MDD patients. Specifically, both direct medical costs and indirect costs were notably elevated in the TRD group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Previous literature documents the direct and indirect economic costs of obesity, yet none has attempted to quantify the intangible costs of obesity. This study focuses on quantifying the intangible costs of one unit body mass index (BMI) increase and being overweight and obese in Germany. Methods By applying a life satisfaction-based compensation value analysis to 2002–2018 German Socio-Economic Panel Survey data for adults aged 18–65, the intangible costs of overweight and obesity are estimated. We apply individual income as a reference for estimating the value of the loss of subjective well-being due to overweight and obesity. Results The intangible costs of overweight and obesity in 2018 amount to 42,450 and 13,853 euros, respectively. A one unit increase in BMI induced a 2553 euros annual well-being loss in the overweight and obese relative to those of normal weight. When extrapolated to the entire country, this figure represents approximately 4.3 billion euros, an intangible cost of obesity similar in magnitude to the direct and indirect costs documented in other studies for Germany. These losses, our analysis reveals, have remained remarkably stable since 2002. Conclusions Our results underscore how existing research into obesity’s economic toll may underestimate its true costs, and they strongly imply that if obesity interventions took the intangible costs of obesity into account, the economic benefits would be considerably larger.

Background: Criminal justice policy decisions are increasingly being influenced by the ratio of the monetary benefits to the monetary costs. While policies based on evidence and analysed via cost‐benefit studies are a welcome development, cost‐benefit calculations are only as robust as the data upon which they are based. For England and Wales up to the present, cost‐of‐crime estimates used in cost‐benefit analyses have been calculated by the Home Office using a multi‐method approach. However, the intangible costs of crime have not been estimated adequately in England and Wales. Aim: The main aim was to quantify the intangible costs of crime using the willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) method. Also, stated preferences for different crime reduction methods were investigated. Method: This study utilises samples from the City of Cambridge (n = 534) and from Criminal Justice Practitioners (n = 124), to assess their WTP to prevent a range of crimes from happening in their neighbourhood, and their preferred crime reduction techniques. A Contingent Valuation Survey (CVS) was used. Results: Overall, both samples gave a higher WTP for low volume, high harm crimes than for high volume, low harm crimes. Both samples supported funding youth programmes in preference to other forms of crime reduction initiatives. Conclusion: It is proposed that a CVS should be included in the next Crime Survey for England and Wales, in order to collect relevant WTP data on crime at the national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous literature documents the direct and indirect economic costs of obesity, yet none has attempted to quantify the intangible costs of obesity. This study focuses on quantifying the intangible costs of one unit body mass index (BMI) increase and being overweight and obese in Germany. Methods: By applying a life satisfaction-based compensation value analysis to 2002–2018 German Socio-Economic Panel Survey data for adults aged 18–65, the intangible costs of overweight and obesity are estimated. We apply individual income as a reference for estimating the value of the loss of subjective well-being due to overweight and obesity. Results: The intangible costs of overweight and obesity in 2018 amount to 42,450 and 13,853 euros, respectively. A one unit increase in BMI induced a 2553 euros annual well-being loss in the overweight and obese relative to those of normal weight. When extrapolated to the entire country, this figure represents approximately 4.3 billion euros, an intangible cost of obesity similar in magnitude to the direct and indirect costs documented in other studies for Germany. These losses, our analysis reveals, have remained remarkably stable since 2002. Conclusions: Our results underscore how existing research into obesity's economic toll may underestimate its true costs, and they strongly imply that if obesity interventions took the intangible costs of obesity into account, the economic benefits would be considerably larger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing quality cost optimization is a priority in any manufacturing sector due to quality issues impacting companies' reputations and has financial consequences. Quality costs are composed of tangible and intangible costs, however, only tangible costs used to be analyzed because there is no suitable methodology for measuring intangible costs. In this context, an innovative decision support system is developed with an empirical base, applying Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Analytical Network Process (ANP), and Lean methodology to reduce all quality costs in an efficient way. In quality departments, perceptions, thoughts, and judgments (intangible costs) are not measured and controlled. This study develops an innovative methodology that allows to address this issue in an effective way. Another major innovation is the application of both multi-criteria methodologies to obtain the best combined result for decision making and the optimization of this result, developing an effort–impact matrix based on Lean manufacturing methodology. This system speeds up the decision-making process and assures its efficiency for quality department applications. Moreover, this decision support system may be applicable to any manufacturing sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a first monetary measure of the private costs of celiac disease, including intangible costs (physical symptoms, logistical constraints, etc.) in Switzerland. This auto-immune disease damages the intestine when patients ingest gluten. The only treatment currently available is a gluten-free diet, which implies great nutritional constraints. To get a monetary equivalent of the costs borne by celiac patients, we used a contingent valuation. The scenario suggested to celiac patients a treatment in form of a daily pill, which would allow them to eat normally and avoid any physical pain from celiac disease. Mean Willingness To Pay (WTP) for the treatment is found to be around CHF 87 (approx. USD 87) per month. WTP is positively influenced by direct and indirect costs of the disease. Oppositely, individuals, who find the gluten-free diet healthier are willing to pay less. Finally, unlike symptoms before diagnostic, the current presence or intensity of physical symptoms are found to be insignificant. The latter result can be explained by the fact that, individuals facing stronger symptoms are more likely to adhere strictly to the GFD and hence to reduce their frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This contribution gives an overview on estimating the economic impact of substance use (SU) and substance use disorders (SUDs) from a societal perspective.Areas Covered: In this Expert Review, we first discuss the scope of the economic costs of SU to society and the methods used to estimate them. In general, cost studies should not be limited to SUDs, but should also include costs related to the consequences of any type of SU to achieve a comprehensive picture of the societal burden. Further, estimating potentially avoidable costs will increase the value of cost studies. Importantly, methodologically sound cost studies shed light on the magnitude of societal problems related to SU and can be used as a reference point to evaluate regulatory policies and other preventive measures. The area of estimating potential economic benefits of SU is understudied and lacks a theoretical and methodological framework.Expert Opinion: Overall, economic studies on the impact of SU and SUDs can strongly contribute to better-informed decision-making in the creation of regulatory and control policies. The least developed area of research refers to a consensus methodology that could be used in studies which compare economic costs to potential economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent recovery of large carnivores throughout Europe such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the gray wolf (Canis lupus), some of their populations are still threatened and their viability depends on human tolerance to share mixed landscapes. We investigated the drivers of landholders' tolerance in Abruzzo (Italy), a region with a long history of cohabitation, by applying the Wildlife Tolerance Model (WTM) (Kansky et al., 2016, Biological Conservation, 201, 137–145). Using structural equation modeling we assessed relationships between WTM variables. This framework hypothesizes that exposure to a species and experiences with a species drive perceptions of benefits and costs, and ultimately tolerance. We then sought to understand similarities and differences in tolerance drivers between the two species and across two areas that differed in the duration of human–carnivore cohabitation. Results showed both similarities and differences in drivers between species and areas, resulting in seven management proposals to foster tolerance. Increasing intangible benefits and positive experiences were two strategies that were similar for both species and areas, while five strategies differed across species and areas. Our methodological approach can be applied in other landscapes with other species to determine the extent to which multispecies management across landscapes is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing quality cost optimization is a priority in any manufacturing sector due to quality issues impacting companies’ reputations and has financial consequences. Quality costs are composed of tangible and intangible costs, however, only tangible costs used to be analyzed because there is no suitable methodology for measuring intangible costs. In this context, an innovative decision support system is developed with an empirical base, applying Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Analytical Network Process (ANP), and Lean methodology to reduce all quality costs in an efficient way. In quality departments, perceptions, thoughts, and judgments (intangible costs) are not measured and controlled. This study develops an innovative methodology that allows to address this issue in an effective way. Another major innovation is the application of both multi-criteria methodologies to obtain the best combined result for decision making and the optimization of this result, developing an effort–impact matrix based on Lean manufacturing methodology. This system speeds up the decision-making process and assures its efficiency for quality department applications. Moreover, this decision support system may be applicable to any manufacturing sector.

Prearranged and on-demand ride services that match passengers and drivers using smartphone applications over a network have developed rapidly across the world. However, the maximum efficiency of the entire hailing demand market and the driver deserve further attention to identify potential improvements. This paper makes the first attempt to conduct a quantitative analysis of the intangible costs generated from ridesourcing trips using an observed ridesourcing dataset provided by Didi Chuxing, including the waiting time costs attributable to waiting for the passenger and the future opportunity costs of different Trip Order Markets. Then, a quantitative method is developed to calculate the specific value of the above intangible costs of each ridesourcing trip. The results show that the average cost of a trip drops by 9.64% when intangible costs are considered, and a large difference exists among the values under various spatial-temporal conditions. In addition, the relative relationship between two types of intangible costs shows a large discrepancy in some sensitive areas. The findings of this study can help transit agencies better understand ridesourcing service and develop strategies for setting reasonable prices and allocating capacity. • This paper explores the composition of trip cost of online car-hailing. • The definition of intangible costs are conducted, including waiting time cost and future opportunity cost. • A logical and feasible intangible costs quantitative method is proposed for the study. • The relative relationship among intangible costs also can be used on sensitive areas identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat degradation and fragmentation have heightened the importance of understanding human tolerance towards wildlife, as the fate of wildlife in multi-use landscapes depends on people's capacity for coexistence. We applied the wildlife tolerance model to examine drivers of tolerance towards Asian elephants Elephas maximus in rural Bangladesh, interviewing local people in 17 villages. We used structural equation modelling to identify causal pathways in which elephant-related exposure, positive and negative interactions, costs and benefits (tangible and intangible) contributed to tolerance. Contrary to expectations, monetary costs were non-significant in shaping tolerance despite major impacts on livelihoods. Instead, intangible costs and intangible benefits were significant factors determining tolerance. Furthermore, reducing people's exposure to elephants would not necessarily affect tolerance, nor would increasing positive interactions. We discuss how the socio-economic and bio-cultural dynamics of local communities can explain these results, and demonstrate how our model can be used to incorporate such complexities into conservation decision-making. For instance, compensation schemes aim to recompense monetary losses and direct damages, to improve tolerance, whereas our results suggest a more effective approach would be to enhance resilience to non-monetary costs and improve perceived benefits. We conclude that future studies should pay increased attention to intangible costs and consider the less direct drivers of tolerance. Through repeated testing of universal models such as that presented here, broad trends may emerge that will facilitate the application of policies across contexts and landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrorism has the potential to affect population health through various pathways. Since the literature mostly analyzes tangible economic costs, there is dearth of evidence on health effects of terrorism. In an effort to address that gap, this article explores the relationship between terrorism and health satisfaction of Turkish citizens by combining province-level and individual-level data sets. In order to quantify determinants of health satisfac - tion, a multi-level modeling framework is employed. Empirical analysis suggests that individuals with higher exposure to terrorism are more likely to report lower health satisfaction in Turkey. Health satisfaction of individu - als is significantly and positively correlated with individual-level covariates such as education level, marital status, employment status, household income, housing floor area per person, interest in health issues and becoming a parent within the past year. Age, being female and utilization of health services display negative associations with health satisfaction of individuals. Finally, province-level GDP per capita and schooling ratio exhibit significantly positive associations with individual health satisfaction in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research Papers of the Wroclaw University of Economics / Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wroclawiu is the property of Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wroclawiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the second most prevalent carcinogenic exposure in Canada and is similarly important in other countries with large Caucasian populations. The objective of this article was to estimate the economic burden associated with newly diagnosed non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) attributable to occupational solar radiation exposure. Key cost categories considered were direct costs (healthcare costs, out-of-pocket costs (OOPCs), and informal caregiver costs); indirect costs (productivity/output costs and home production costs); and intangible costs (monetary value of the loss of health-related quality of life (HRQoL)). To generate the burden estimates, we used secondary data from multiple sources applied to computational methods developed from an extensive review of the literature. An estimated 2,846 (5.3%) of the 53,696 newly diagnosed cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and 1,710 (9.2%) of the 18,549 newly diagnosed cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 2011 in Canada were attributable to occupational solar radiation exposure. The combined total for direct and indirect costs of occupational NMSC cases is $28.9 million ($15.9 million for BCC and $13.0 million for SCC), and for intangible costs is $5.7 million ($0.6 million for BCC and $5.1 million for SCC). On a per-case basis, the total costs are $5,670 for BCC and $10,555 for SCC. The higher per-case cost for SCC is largely a result of a lower survival rate, and hence higher indirect and intangible costs. Our estimates can be used to raise awareness of occupational solar UV exposure as an important causal factor in NMSCs and can highlight the importance of occupational BCC and SCC among other occupational cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Concerning the ongoing debate on the legalization of cannabis in Germany, the medical costs due to its consumption need to be assessed and quantified for further decisions. This contribution gives an estimation of the economic costs and possible further intangible impairments due to hazardous cannabis consumption. Methods: For the estimation a sample of 146,000 subjects from the German Statutory Health Insurance with 1,245 subjects displaying a diagnosis of hazardous cannabis consumption (ICD10-Code F12) were analyzed. Using different regression models we assessed the costs caused by cannabis consumption in the health sector as well as productivity losses and intangible impairments. Results: Hazardous consumption of cannabis results in 2,438 € of additional costs per person and year. In sum the economic costs of cannabis consumption in Germany are 975 m. € p.a. Additional costs due to accompanying tobacco use are likely. The results also indicate a higher occurrence of intangible impairments like depression, fatigue and pain among hazardous cannabis consumers. Discussion: The costs assessment displays the higher economic burden and health effects that would likely result if cannabis consumption increases e. g. due to a more liberal regulation. These costs and burdens need to be incorporated into the discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undoubtedly, no specific method exists to measure the cost of displeasure among employees due to unpleasant or non-ergonomic work conditions. Despite the financial impact of these hidden costs on organizations’ performance, these types of expenses are usually ignored. The intangible costs are insubstantial and represent expenses that have no common quantity or labeled value attached to them. Estimating intangible costs related to work conditions based on stress level among employees is a technique that attempts to formulize a multidimensional relationship between input qualitative variables related to the state of work conditions or work injuries and the monetary value of the hidden costs encountered with them. This technique approaches the problem from a unique standpoint, revealing the concealed effect of the state of disorder of the production system and the stress level among employees that impact the overall efficiency. In addition, the influence of the stress level on the invisible costs of the optimal amount of labor and capital due to reduced ergonomic work conditions will be investigated over both the short run and the long run. Finally, the effect of work conditions on profit-cost-volume and the breakeven quantity will be formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flood risk is a function of the flood hazard, the exposed values, and their vulnerability. In addition to extreme hydrological events, different anthropogenic activities such as extensive urbanization and land use play an important role in producing catastrophic floods. Considerations of both physical and social dimensions are therefore equally important in flood risk assessment. However, very often the risk assessment studies focus either on physical or social dimensions. In addition, the available studies often focus on economic valuation of only direct tangible costs. In this study, we provide an integrated flood risk assessment approach that goes beyond the valuation of direct tangible costs, through incorporating physical dimensions in hazard and exposure and social dimensions in vulnerability. The method has been implemented in the Dhaka City, Bangladesh, an area internationally recognized as hot spot for flood risk. In this study, flood hazards for different return periods are calculated in spatial environment using a hydrologic model, HEC-RAS. Vulnerability is assessed through aggregation of various social dimensions, i.e., coping and adaptive capacities, and susceptibility. We assess vulnerability for both baseline and improved scenarios. In the baseline scenario, current early warning for study area is considered. In the alternative scenario, the warning system is expected to improve. Aggregating hazard, exposure and vulnerability, risk maps (in terms of both tangible and intangible costs) of several return period floods are produced for both baseline and improved scenarios. Compared to traditional assessments, the integrated assessment approach used in this study generates more information about the flood risk. Consequently, the results are useful in evaluating policy alternatives and minimizing property loss in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information security breaches constitute a major concern for businesses in today's interconnected digital economy. Practice and previous research mention that security breaches have various tangible and intangible consequences on organizations. Decreased sales and lost revenue are tangible effects, while loss of investors' confidence, reputation damage, loss of competitiveness and loss of consumer trust are intangible costs. In contrast to the tangible costs of security breaches, the quantification of the intangible costs is not straightforward, therefore this literature review study focuses on the intangible costs of security breaches. The analysis reveals that while certain costs, such as loss of investors' confidence, have received considerable attention in research, others, such as reputation damage or loss of consumer trust remain barely explored and require further inquiry. In addition, several studies show a lack of theory, as they do not build upon specific reference theories to address their research objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a very costly pathology. Total costs of AD result from the sum of direct and indirect costs. Intangible costs represent an additional burden that is difficult to quantify. This paper has reviewed the evaluation of the costs of AD and the methodologies to estimate them, and proposes the use of some tools which may be useful in establishing the financial weight of the disease. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted using the Pubmed and Medline databases as a source of published papers. Results: In AD, direct and indirect costs and their sum (total costs) are very high and tend to increase parallel with the evolution of the pathology. The evolution of AD is characterized by the loss of functional autonomy, the onset of behavioral and sleep disorders, and the development of delusions and hallucinations. This requires more frequent medical examinations and hospitalizations resulting in higher direct costs, which become the relevant weight. None of the papers reviewed investigated intangible cost. Conclusion: The calculation of costs of AD is frequently based on cognitive decline and the degree of dependence of patients. The evaluation of intangible costs (psychological pain of the patient and of the unpaid caregivers' and their impaired quality of life) is a missing aspect in all reviewed studies. Due to the complexity of AD, it will be necessary to adopt cost evaluation systems including the different dimensions of the problem and its various aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]