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. 2021 Dec;73(12):1826-1833.
doi: 10.1002/acr.24426.

Patient-Reported Impact of Axial Spondyloarthritis on Working Life: Results From the European Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis Survey

Marco Garrido-Cumbrera  1 , Christine Bundy  2 , Victoria Navarro-Compán  3 , Souzi Makri  4 , Sergio Sanz-Gómez  1 , Laura Christen  5 , Raj Mahapatra  6 , Carlos J Delgado-Domínguez  1 , Denis Poddubnyy  7
Affiliations

Patient-Reported Impact of Axial Spondyloarthritis on Working Life: Results From the European Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis Survey

Marco Garrido-Cumbrera et al. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate work-related issues (WRIs) and their determinants in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) across Europe.

Methods: The European Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis is a cross-sectional online survey (2017-2018) of unselected patients with self-reported axial SpA from 13 European countries. Participants were classified as active or inactive members of the labor force according to the International Labor Organization standards. Those employed reported WRIs due to axial SpA in the past 12 months. Sociodemographic characteristics and patient-reported outcomes were compared between patients with and without WRIs. Stepwise regression analysis was conducted to identify independent determinants of WRIs.

Results: The sample comprised 2,846 patients with axial SpA, 1,653 were active members of the labor force, 1,450 were employed, and of those employed, 67.7% reported at least 1 WRI. The most frequently reported WRIs were taking sick leave (56.3%), difficulty fulfilling working hours (44.6%), and missing work for doctor's appointments (34.6%). Of the total sample, 74.1% declared that they had faced or would face difficulties finding a job due to axial SpA. Patients with WRIs were more often female, were less likely to be married or in a relationship, and had a higher educational level, poorer patient-reported outcomes, and a greater prevalence of anxiety and depression. Multivariable regression showed that WRIs were associated with a higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score (odds ratio [OR] 1.30 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.16-1.45]) and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire score (OR 1.15 [95% CI 1.09-1.22]), and were negatively associated with inflammatory bowel disease (OR 0.58 [95% CI 0.36-0.91]).

Conclusion: Approximately two-thirds of employed patients experienced WRIs due to axial SpA. Association between disease activity and psychological distress with WRIs suggests the need to ensure that axial SpA patients receive the required support to cope with their working life.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
European Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (EMAS) flow diagram of patient recruitment and selection. ILO = International Labor Organization; PAGs = patient advocacy groups; w/o = without; WRIs = work‐related issues.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Unemployment rates reported by axial SpA patients in the labor force by country (n = 1,653).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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