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


CONCLUSIONS
Work disability occurs early in RA. Novel work-related factors were identified, which are potentially modifiable, to help RA patients stay employed.
Lacaille
Diane
D
The Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. dlacaille@arthritisresearch.ca
Sheps
Samuel
S
Spinelli
John J
JJ
Chalmers
Andrew
A
Esdaile
John M
JM
D000041:Absenteeism; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011584:Psychology; D012179:Retirement; D012307:Risk Factors; D020377:Self Efficacy; D018582:Sick Leave; D012944:Social Support