Examination of Work Performance of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate the factors affecting and associated with work performance of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHODS

Fifty RA patients were included.

RESULTS

The average annual disease leave was 4.16 ± 8.77 days; 12% of patients changed works owing to disease, 32% reduced working hours, and 20% quit works. Arthritis Work Spillover Scale had low correlation with Disease Activity Score-28, ABILHAND-RA questionnaire, Biopsychosocial Questionnaire, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire-Activity, Short Form-36-Mental, Unsupported Upper-Limb Exercise Test-duration and level, maximal inspiratory pressure, and maximal expiratory pressure ( r , 0.282-0.453) and had moderate correlation with Visual Analog Scale-General Pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), DASH-W, and Short Form-36-Physical ( r , 0.516 to -0.687; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

With significant impact on working life, work spillover related to disease activity, pain, functionality, respiratory muscle strength, biopsychosocial status, respiratory, and health-related quality of life in RA.