THE GENERAL HEALTH STATUS OF WORKING-AGE POPULATION FROM THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA IN RELATION TO OCCUPATIONAL RISK FACTORS

Introduction. Sustainable development significantly depends on workforce health. In the Republic of Moldova, public health indicators reveal high mortality and disability rates, low reported morbidity with temporary incapacity, and inadequate diagnosis of occupational diseases amidst increasing exposure to occupational risks, mainly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises post-economic reforms. The objective of the study was to analyze the trends in health indicators (mortality, morbidity, healthcare visits) associated with occupational risks in the Republic of Moldova (2000-2016) and evaluate Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) linked to these risks. Material and methods. A retrospective cohort study included working-age individuals (men 15–61 years old, women 15–57 years old). Data from national statistical reports and World Health Organization (WHO)/ International Labour Organization (ILO) databases were analyzed using z-test, τ-Kendall, and Wilcoxon tests (p<0.05). Results. Between 2000-2016, Moldova’s working-age population increased by 5.3%. Chronic morbidity exceeded acute morbidity until 2010, then acute morbidity surpassed chronic morbidity (p<0.001). In 2016, occupational risks caused 602 working-age deaths, mainly due to prolonged working hours, responsible for 34.1% of DALYs, especially from ischemic heart disease and stroke. Conclusions. Despite reductions from 2000-2016, Moldova’s burden from occupational diseases remains higher than European averages. Adopting Italy’s occupational health practices could substantially improve worker health and reduce occupational risks.