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Factors in psoriatic arthritis associated with work productivity
Demographic, clinical and work-related factors in psoriatic arthritis affected patients’ work productivity, according to recent study results.
Researchers in Toronto recruited 255 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were attending a PsA clinic. A Questionnaire for the Assessment of Work-Related Factors was completed by all employed participants, including homemakers, with eligible participants also completing a Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ). Dependent variable in linear and logistic regression analyses were the WLQ scores. Work characteristics, demographic factors and clinical measures were independent variables measured.
Assessment forms were returned by 186 patients (mean age, 50.5 years; 60.9% men; average disease duration, 14.2 years). Illness-related mean reduction in work productivity was 4.3%.
“In univariate linear regression analysis, work productivity was significantly associated with sex, education status, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, [active joint count], ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), Functional Co-Morbidity Index [FCI] and support at work,” the researchers wrote. “Associations with gender, ESR, FCI and medications were also significant in a reduced multivariate model.
“This study demonstrates that a significant number of PsA patients may experience issues with productivity in the workplace and that these limitations are significantly associated with demographic, clinical and work-related factors,” the researchers concluded. “Future studies should examine the economic ramifications of work limitations of PsA. It is also important for clinicians, patients and employers to work together to develop supportive work environments in which reasonable resources and assistance can be accessed when needed.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.