Consequences of inflammatory arthritis for workplace productivity loss and sick leave: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To review the occurrence and magnitude of workplace productivity loss and sick leave in inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients and to identify determinants.

Methods: PubMed, EMbase, PsycINFO and CINAHL articles to July 2012 on IA and workplace productivity loss or sick leave were reviewed. Methodological quality was assessed by a criteria list developed by the authors.

Results: 47 original studies were identified. The occurrence of sick leave in IA patients varied from 3.7% in the past 4 days to 84% in the past 2.5 years. Total duration of sick leave ranged from 0.1 to 11 days over 1 month. Pain and functional disability were associated with sick leave and workplace productivity loss. About 17%-88% of IA patients experienced workplace productivity loss, four studies investigated determinants. Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors were associated with reduced workplace productivity loss and sick leave.

Conclusions: IA impacts worker productivity, but its estimated magnitude varies. Higher levels of sick leave and workplace productivity loss were reported for increased levels of pain and decreased levels of functional ability.