Occupational integration of adults with severe haemophilia (INTHEMO): A study based on the FranceCoag registry

Introduction: Health of people with severe haemophilia (PwSH) improves thanks to the advancements in haemophilia care, giving them more opportunities in occupational integration. However, there is little literature on the occupational integration of PwSH.

Objectives: The main objective of our study was to assess the occupational integration of PwSH and to compare it with that of the general population. The secondary objective was to study the association between individual characteristics (sociodemographic, clinical and psycho-behavioural) and occupational integration of PwSH.

Methods: A multicentre, non-interventional, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018-2020 on PwSH, aged over 18 and under 65 years and included in the FranceCoag registry. Measurements included indicators of occupational integration, sociodemographic, clinical and psycho-behavioural characteristics. The indicators of occupational integration were compared with those of the general population, using indirect standardization. The data of the general population were available from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE). Determinants of occupational integration were explored using structural equation modelling.

Results: Of 1262 eligible people, 588 were included. PwSH had a lower employment rate than the general population (standardized ratio, .85; 95% CI, .77-.94). There were more PwSH at tertiary education level than expected (standardized ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.17-1.61). HIV infection, poor physical health and mental health concerns were associated with a higher risk of unemployment in PwSH.

Conclusion: Employment rate of PwSH is lower than that of the general population despite their higher education level. Target interventions focusing on determinants of difficult occupational integration could be helpful for PwSH.