Identification of modifiable work-related factors that influence the risk of work disability in rheumatoid arthritis

✍ Scribed by Lacaille, Diane ;Sheps, Samuel ;Spinelli, John J. ;Chalmers, Andrew ;Esdaile, John M.

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2004
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 100 KB
• Volume: 51
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0004-3591
• DOI: 10.1002/art.20690

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Objective

To define work‐related factors associated with increased risk of work disability (WD) in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Questionnaires were mailed to all RA patients who used a province‐wide arthritis treatment program between 1991 and 1998 (n = 1,824). The association between risk factors and WD (defined as no paid work due to RA for at least 6 months) was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis, controlling for significant sociodemographic and disease‐related variables.

Results

Of the original 1,824 patients, 581 were eligible and responded to the questionnaire. Work survival analysis revealed a steady rate of WD starting early, with 7.5%, 18%, and 27% work disabled at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Significant determinants in multiple logistic regression were physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire), pain (visual analog scale), and 6 work‐related factors: self employment, workstation modification, work importance, family support toward employment, commuting difficulty, and comfort telling coworkers about RA.

Conclusion

Work disability occurs early in RA. Novel work‐related factors were identified, which are potentially modifiable, to help RA patients stay employed.