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

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, axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia 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.

The Work Experience Survey – Rheumatic conditions (United Kingdom): Psychometric properties and identifying the workplace barriers of employed people with inflammatory arthritis receiving vocational rehabilitation

“…Over a third of the work barriers listed in the WES‐RC were reported as problematic by 25% or more of participants, with the most common being physical problems of prolonged standing, sitting, bending/kneeling/crouching, lifting, and using hands whilst working. Studies investigating work limitations in IA using WALS, similarly identified these as the most common (Brown et al., 2023 ; Gignac et al., 2011 ; Xavier et al., 2019 ).…”

“…Studies investigating work limitations in IA using WALS, similarly identified these as the most common (Brown et al, 2023;Gignac et al, 2011;Xavier et al, 2019).…”

“…Poorer supervisor support is associated with worse employee physical and mental well-being, job satisfaction, job stress and increased job demands (Hämmig, 2017 and personal and work-related factors of poorer mental health, negative impact of IA on work and work-life balance, difficulty managing the mental and interpersonal demands of their job, higher levels of job stress, and the number of work accommodations needed (Boot et al, 2018;Brown et al, 2023;Druce et al, 2018;Gwinnutt et al, 2020;Kim et al, 2017;Xavier et al, 2019). This study highlighted that the WES-RC assesses these factors and the frequency with which such problems are being experienced by those needing JRVR.…”

Psychometric testing of the British‐English Perceived Workplace Support Scale, Work Accommodations, Benefits, Policies and Practices Scale, and Work Transitions Index in four rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions

“…Work-related environmental factors associated with presenteeism (i.e., reduced productivity at work) include workplace support, work accommodations (i.e., modifications to a job or work environment to enable an employee with a disability to perform their job duties) and organisational policies and practices (Boonen et al, 2021;Brown et al, 2023;Tang et al, 2011). Assessing such factors, the nature of people's work (full or part-time, self-employed, job demands), and job disruptions experienced, is important to gain a better understanding of people with RMD's ability to work (Heerkens et al, 2017;Tang et al, 2011).…”

Psychometric testing of the British‐English Long‐Term Conditions Job Strain Scale, Long‐Term Conditions Work Spillover Scale and Work‐Health‐Personal Life Perceptions Scale in four rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions

“…Assessing work‐related contextual factors is important to gain a greater understanding of people with RMD’s ability to work (Heerkens et al., 2017; Tang et al., 2011). Amongst work‐related personal factors, those associated with presenteeism (i.e., reduced productivity at work) in RMD include job strain, and work‐life‐health balance (Brown et al., 2023; Gignac et al., 2012). The patient reported outcome measures (PROM) to assess such factors, tested across a range of RMDs, can assist in understanding the biopsychosocial impact of RMDs on work participation as well as help plan and evaluate work interventions.…”