Factors associated with temporary work disability in patients with fibromyalgia

Abstract

Temporary work disability (TWD) is more common in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) than among the rest of the workers. To describe the differences between patients who take sick leave (TWD group) and those who continue to work regularly (control group). To determine what factors are associated with TWD. Multicentre, cross-sectional study with a cohort of patients with FM seen in rheumatology clinics throughout Spain. The following information was recorded: demographic data, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, health self-perception, emotional issues, functional capacity, physical function tests, utilization of healthcare resources, TWD during the past 12 months, and quitting paid employment due to the disease. Descriptive statistics was used to compare variables between the TWD group and the control group. A logistic regression analysis was done to determine which factors are associated with TWD. The study cohort was composed of 301 patients with FM (women: 96.7%) with a mean age of 48.7 ± 8.5 years and a disease duration of 11.5 ± 9.1 years. There were 56.8% active workers, of whom 67.8% had had some TWD. The mean TWD length was 44 ± 69.6 days/year. TWD correlated significantly with sedentary work, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, self-perceived health, poor functional capacity, physical function, and healthcare resource utilization. The factors independently associated with TWD are sedentary work, more clinical manifestations, fatigue, and poor flexibility. Of the cases of people who quit their jobs, 66.9% were associated with FM. TWD in patients with FM is associated with sedentary work, a worse clinical situation, and worse functional capacity.

Surgical and Medical Costs for Fibromyalgia Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

“…The severity of the disease has also been shown to influence the rate of charges incurred, that is, the greater the disease severity, the greater the costs. [25][26][27] In 2013, Knight et al reported that the direct medical costs of fibromyalgia patients in the United States are significantly greater than the costs of patients in Germany and France (US $7,087, US$2,417, and US$481, respectively). 28 These costs were mainly attributable to prescriptions medications, patient out-of-pocket costs, and physician office visits.…”

Percepciones de pacientes con fibromialgia sobre el impacto de la enfermedad en el ámbito laboral

“…Son conscientes de que sobre ellas recae 23 , a lo que contribuye tener acceso a directivos sensibilizados sobre la gravedad y consecuencias de la enfermedad, que no les sometan a cuestionamientos 21,24 .…”

“…Para la interpretación de este resultado, también cabe tener en cuenta que, en España, la única alternativa remunerada al empleo contemplada por la Seguridad Social es la de recibir una prestación por incapacidad. Sin embargo, es un proceso arduo y lento que exige grandes esfuerzos económicos y psicológicos, y que no siempre genera los resultados esperados 21,25 . Continuar trabajando requiere cambios no solo en las personas afectadas sino también en las propias condiciones de trabajo.…”

“…En otros casos, el compañerismo es resaltado como un factor positivo que contribuye a que los pacientes desarrollen su trabajo de forma más llevadera (punto 10). De hecho, tener cerca a gerentes o compañeros conocedores de la problemática y dispuestos a flexibilizar horarios y exigencias laborales permite compatibilizar el puesto de trabajo con la enfermedad14,21 .Perciben la relación con los empleadores como especialmente delicada. Las ausencias, los errores cometidos o las faltas de memoria pueden derivar en posteriores conflictos con los empleadores (punto 11).…”

Avaliação da capacidade laborativa em periciandos portadores de fibromialgia

“…Entretanto, também menciona que sejam feitas mudanças no ambiente do trabalho, readaptação profi ssional e redução da carga horária para funcionários com quadro sugestivo da síndrome de dor crônica. Já Reisine et al 24 e Rivera et al 25 concluem que os pacientes portadores de fi bromialgia que continuam trabalhando apresentam melhor resposta clínica ao tratamento quando comparado àqueles que não trabalham. Isso sugere que o trabalho é fator positivo no prognóstico e atua de forma benéfi ca na diminuição da intensidade dos sintomas provocados pela fi bromialgia 26 .…”