Date of Award

2009

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Program

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Abstract

Objective: Seronegative spondyloarthritis (SpA), including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) may lead to work disability (WD). W e determined the prevalence o f WD and limitations in work productivity in SpA using surveys.

Methods: 203 patients with SpA received a questionnaire asking about work status, the WLQ, HAQ, BASDAI, BASFI, BAS-G and FCI. Relationships between WD, WLQ, demographics and disease activity were assessed through bivariate correlations, independent t-tests and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: Response rate was 40%; 18.5% were WD. WD were older than non-WD, had higher scores on BASFI, BAS-G, had worse overall health and more comorbidities. Subjects with AS had less WD than those with other SpA. The decrease in work productivity attributable to health was 8.3%. Productivity loss was correlated with HAQ, BASFI, BASDAI, and BAS-G scores.

Conclusions: WD occurred in 18.5%, and work productivity was also reduced by 8.3%. WD was associated with older age and greater SpA disease activity.

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