Economic and public health impact of pneumonia-related mortality in Spain: a decade-long analysis

Abstract

Introduction Pneumonia remains a major cause of premature mortality worldwide and represents a growing public health challenge in aging societies such as Spain. Population aging in Spain increases the need for updated assessments of pneumonia-related premature mortality and its economic impact. Quantifying the productivity burden associated with these deaths is essential to inform health policy and resource planning.

Methods The human capital approach was applied to estimate the years of potential labour productive life lost (YPLPLL) and productivity losses attributable to pneumonia-related deaths in Spain from 2013 to 2022. Mortality data were obtained from the Spanish National Statistics Institute, and age- and sex-specific employment rates and wages were taken from national labour force and wage surveys. Productivity losses were calculated from the age of death to retirement at 65 years and discounted at 3%, with sensitivity analyses at 0% and 6%.

Results In 2022, pneumonia-related deaths accounted for 5,172 YPLPLL among adults younger than 65 years. Over the 10-year study period, pneumonia-related premature mortality generated an estimated €1,058.82 million in productivity losses. The highest burden occurred among individuals aged 55–59, while the productivity losses declined in the 60–64 age group due to lower employment rates and fewer remaining productive years. Annual productivity losses varied over time, reflecting changes in mortality patterns and labour market conditions.

Conclusions Pneumonia-related premature mortality generates substantial productivity losses in Spain, particularly among working-age adults. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening preventive strategies, including expanded adult vaccination coverage and early diagnosis, to reduce avoidable deaths and mitigate their economic impact on the Spanish workforce.