BCN HEALTH publishes a study highlighting the significant economic impact of pneumonia-related mortality in Spain

BCN HEALTH conducted a retrospective, population-based analysis to estimate the years of potential labor productive life lost (YPLPLL) and productivity losses resulting from premature deaths due to pneumonia. The study applied the Human Capital Approach, using mortality data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), together with age- and sex-specific employment and wage information. Estimates considered a retirement age of 65 years and an annual discount rate of 3%, with additional sensitivity analyses using alternative rates of 0% and 6%.

The results show that premature pneumonia-related mortality generated cumulative productivity losses of €1,058.82 million between 2013 and 2021. In 2022, pneumonia-related deaths accounted for 5,172 YPLPLL among individuals under 65 years of age. The greatest economic impact was observed in the 55–59 age group. Differences by sex were also identified: in 2022, men accounted for 3,491 YPLPLL, compared with 1,681 among women. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the estimates, with cumulative productivity losses ranging from €1,028.85 million to €1,090.58 million.

Despite advances in vaccination, diagnosis and treatment, pneumonia remains a major public health challenge. The study highlights the need to strengthen preventive strategies, particularly by increasing adult vaccination coverage, as well as improving early diagnosis and timely treatment to reduce avoidable deaths.

These findings highlight the substantial economic and societal burden of pneumonia in Spain and underscore the importance of incorporating productivity losses into economic evaluations and healthcare decision-making. This perspective provides a more comprehensive understanding of the overall impact of the disease and helps inform resource planning and prevention policies.

Further information is available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2026.2700074