The economic burden of physical inactivity in Malta

Abstract

This dissertation examines the economic burden (EB) of physical inactivity (PI) in Malta from 2000 to 2021, emphasising its contribution to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and certain cancers. PI has exacerbated already high rates of obesity in Malta, leading to increased healthcare costs and reduced workforce productivity. This research provides a detailed analysis of PI's financial and social impact, estimating both direct healthcare costs and indirect costs from lost productivity, as well as the burden of disease, measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Using the population-attributable fraction (PAF) method, the study calculates the proportion of healthcare expenditures and DALYs related to NCDs that can be attributed to PI. Results show a sharp increase in the EB of PI over the study period, with direct healthcare costs associated with PI increasing from 5.23 million to 26.36 million between 2000 and 2021. Indirect costs, including productivity losses due to illness and premature death, surged, resulting in a total indirect cost increasing from 1.38 million to 8.45 million between 2000 and 2021. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted public health interventions to reduce PI and its associated diseases. In Malta's specific socio-economic context, the research highlights the importance of national health strategies aimed at increasing physical activity (PA) levels. By doing so, the country could prevent NCDs, lower healthcare costs, and improve workforce productivity. These insights are especially relevant within the broader context of the European Union (EU), aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for promoting PA to improve public health outcomes.