Work participation is unaffected in Belgian spondyloarthritis patients: data from the BelGian Inflammatory Arthritis and SpoNdylitis cohorT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to (1) investigate actual work participation in Belgian spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients compared to the general population, and (2) identify determinants of work-related outcomes.

METHODS: Adult SpA patients from the Ghent University hospital based Be-GIANT cohort (fulfilling ASAS classification criteria) were cross-sectionally questioned on their socio-economic status and completed a Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire (May 2018 - May 2019). Results were compared to national and regional data on the general population using indirect standardization. Associations between clinical and job characteristics and work-related outcomes were analyzed with logistic regression (having a paid job) and negative binomial hurdle models (sick leave and presenteeism, i.e. restrictions while at work).

RESULTS: 215/262 (82%) patients of working-age (<65 y/o) had a paid job, corresponding to an age- and sex-adjusted employment ratio of 1.00 (95%CI 0.88;1.14). Patients worked 39.6±10.5h/week, and 49% (95%CI 42;56%) reported sick leave in the previous year, similar to the general population (39.7h/week, 42%). 56% reported presenteeism of median (IQR) 10% (0-20%). In multivariate analysis, functional impairment (BASFI) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL, EuroQoL-VAS) were associated with each work-related outcome, while contextual factors (education, physically demanding job) were positively associated with respectively having a paid job and presenteeism. Clinical characteristics showed no independent association with any of these outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Evidence from this academic cohort study does not support a work participation gap between SpA patients and the general population, but confirms the role of physical function, overall HRQoL, and education or job type as risk factors for adverse work outcomes.