Work limitations and associated factors in rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia

Brown, Tamara; Hammond, Alison; Ching, Angela; Parker, Jennifer

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) impact on work participation. The aims of this study were to: examine work limitations of working people with: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), osteoarthritis (OA), or fibromyalgia (FM) using the Workplace Activity Limitations Scale (WALS, a measure of presenteeism); and identify personal, functioning and disability, and work contextual factors associated with presenteeism.

Methods: Secondary analysis was conducted of a cross-sectional survey including work outcome measures (WORK-PROM study). A literature review identified variables (coded to ICF) to include in multivariable regressions examining factors associated with presenteeism.

Results: Moderate to high WALS scores were identified in: 93.60% with FM; 69.90% OA; 65.20% RA; and 46.80% axSpA (n=822). Similarities in work limitations were noted across conditions, although some more problematic in specific RMD. Participants received help with about a quarter of activities (27%RA; 25%FM; 23%OA; 17%axSpA) and work adaptations for less than a fifth causing difficulty (18%FM; 14%RA; 14%OA; 9%axSpA). Literature review identified 33 variables in the WORK-PROM dataset to include in multivariable regressions. Factors associated with higher WALS scores were worse: functional limitations, job strain, pain, difficulties with mental-interpersonal job demands, perceived health status, work-life balance, greater need for work accommodations and lack of perceived work support.

Discussion: This study extends understanding of work limitations of working people with these four RMD, the extent of help and adaptations received, need for more work accommodation support, and focus for work support, work rehabilitation, and healthy workplace practices to help keep people working.

Citation

Brown, T., Hammond, A., Ching, A., & Parker, J. (in press). Work limitations and associated factors in rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Musculoskeletal Care, 21(3), 827-844. https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1760

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 5, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Mar 28, 2023
• Deposit Date: Apr 4, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 4, 2023
• Journal: Musculoskeletal Care
• Print ISSN: 1478-2189
• Electronic ISSN: 1557-0681
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 827-844
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1760
• Keywords: Nursing (miscellaneous), Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Chiropractics, Rheumatology
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1760