Understanding the Disease Burden of Unemployed Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Results From the Spanish Atlas 2017

Objective: To evaluate differences in sociodemographic factors and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between unemployed and employed patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and to explore work-related issues (WRIs).

Methods: Data from an online survey of 680 unselected patients of the Atlas of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Spain 2017 were analyzed. Active workforce participants were divided into employed and unemployed groups according to International Labour Organization definitions. Sociodemographic characteristics, PROs (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [0-10], Spinal Stiffness Index [3-12], Functional Limitation Index [0-54], and psychological distress through the 12-item General Health Questionnaire [0-12]) were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association with unemployment status.

Results: Four hundred fifteen (63.6%) patients with axSpA were categorized in the active population, of which 325 (78.3%) were employed and 90 (21.7%) unemployed. Of the unemployed patients, 62.8% (n = 54) declared that their joblessness was due to axSpA. Of the employed patients, 170 (54.3%) reported WRIs in the year prior to the survey, the most frequent being difficulty fulfilling working hours (44.1%), missing work for doctor appointments (42.9%), and taking sick leave (37.1%). Being unemployed was associated with lower educational level (OR = 2.92), disease activity (OR = 1.37), spinal stiffness (OR = 1.21), functional limitation (OR = 1.05), worse mental health (OR = 1.15), anxiety (OR = 2.02), and depression (OR = 2.69) in the univariable models; and with lower educational level (OR = 2.76) and worse mental health (OR = 1.15) in the multivariable analysis.

Conclusion: Results show significant differences between employed and unemployed patients with axSpA. Employed patients with axSpA endure many problems at work related to their condition, whereas unemployed patients present worse disease outcomes associated with greater psychological distress.