LUNAR study
How Do Chronic Lung Conditions Affect Work Attendance and Related Costs for UK Workers?
The LUNAR project is dedicated to understanding the profound socio-economic impacts of chronic lung conditions across English working age population (aged over 16). By examining large-scale health data, we investigate how asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions influence workplace participation for diverse populations. Our primary goal is to provide evidence-based insights that can inform better health policies, supportive workplace environments, and improved economic stability for individuals living with chronic lung conditions. Through collaboration with clinical experts and patient groups, we ensure our findings translate into meaningful progress for UK workers.
Background
Long-term lung conditions are a major health issue, affecting 1 in 5 people in the UK. More than 12 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with a lung condition. These conditions can affect people’s health and quality of life. They can also affect people’s ability to work and may lead to time off work. This can have financial effects on workers and their families, employers, the NHS and the wider economy. There is still limited evidence about how long-term lung conditions affect people’s working lives in the UK. We do not know enough about how often people with different lung conditions need time off work, which groups of people are most affected, or how much this time off work costs. This study aims to answer these questions.
Meet the team
We bring together research experts from different fields.
Prof Louise J Jackson
Professor of Health Economics and Health Policy
Dr Naijie Guan
Research Fellow in Health Economics
Dr Shamil Haroon
Associate Clinical Professor of Public Health
Prof Tom Marshall
Professor of Public Health and Primary Care
Prof James Rockey
Professor in Economics
Dr Krishna Gokhale
Research Fellow (Health Informatics)
Aim of the study in lay term
This study aims to explore how often different chronic lung diseases cause work absences among people over 16. We aim to find out how common these absences are, how much they cost, and how they vary based on factors such as a person's age, gender, ethnicity, or social status. This information will help us understand the impact of lung diseases on people’s ability to work, the costs to employers and the economy.
What other colleagues and our Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement members say
01
"As a PPI member, I’m really pleased to see a study that focuses on how long-term lung conditions affect people’s everyday working lives, not just their symptoms. It feels like our real-world experiences are being listened to and used to shape better support and policies."
From a PPI member
02
“I think the LUNAR study tackles a really important gap in understanding how chronic lung conditions affect people’s ability to work and stay in employment. The findings should help us design more practical support for patients and inform better workplace and health policies.”
From a colleague
We welcome your feedback
Publications
Work in progress
Guan, N., Rockey, J., Marshall, T., Roberts, T., Jackson, L. J., & Haroon, S. (2027). Sickness absence and associated costs among working-age adults with chronic lung conditions in the UK: a retrospective cohort study using health record data
