To evaluate work‐related issues (WRIs) and their determinants in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) across Europe. The European Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (EMAS) is a cross‐sectional on‐line survey (2017‐2018) of unselected patients with self‐reported axSpA from 13 European countries. Participants were classified as active or inactive members of the labour force according to the International Labour Organization standards. Those employed reported WRIs due to axSpA in the past 12 months. Sociodemographic and patient‐reported outcomes were compared between patients with and without WRIs. Stepwise regression analysis was conducted to identify independent determinants of WRIs.
Sample comprised 2,846 axSpA patients; 1,653 were active members of the labour force; 1,450 were employed, of which 67.7% reported at least one WRI. Most reported WRIs were taking sick leave (56.3%), difficulty fulfilling working hours (44.6%) and missing work for doctor’s appointments (34.6%). 74.1% of total sample declared they had or would face difficulties finding a job due to axSpA. Patients with WRIs were more often female, less likely to be married, had higher educational level, poorer patient‐reported outcomes, and greater prevalence of anxiety and depression. Multivariable regression showed that WRIs were associated with higher BASDAI (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.16‐1.45), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12; OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.09‐1.22), and negatively associated with inflammatory bowel disease (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.36‐0.91)
Approximately two thirds of employed patients experienced WRIs due to axSpA. Association between disease activity and psychological distress with WRIs suggests the need to ensure axSpA patients the required support to cope with their working life.
Ref: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acr.24426
