title: Return to work after treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: This study reports on the prognosis for return to competitive work of men disabled by rheumatoid arthritis following an intensive in-patient rehabilitation program. Ninety-four men were followed up at a mean time of 3.5 years after discharge from the unit. Sixty-five per cent of the city dwellers and 50% of those living in small communities or rural areas were working either full-time or half-time. Other factors such as education, work background and geographical location influenced the success of return to work.In the city, 12 families (22%) were receiving welfare assistance prior to admission to the comprehensive rehabilitation program. At follow-up six of these families were off welfare and paying taxes. This group alone represented a minimum saving of $35,000 yearly to public funds.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001955:British Columbia; D004493:Education; D004651:Employment; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012424:Rural Population; D013997:Time Factors; D014505:Urban Population; D014937:Work