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Work disability in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Rafael Ariza-Ariza1, Blanca Hernández-Cruz, Eduardo Collantes
1Rheumatology Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Spain. rafariza@telefonica.net
The Journal of Rheumatology
|October 17, 2009
Summary
A significant 25.6% of Spanish ankylosing spondylitis patients experience work disability. Key factors include age, disease duration, structural damage, and functional limitations.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Public Health
- Occupational Medicine
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine.
- Work disability significantly impacts patients' quality of life and socioeconomic status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of work disability in Spanish patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
- To identify factors associated with work disability in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilizing data from the Regisponser registry.
- AS patients were classified as work-disabled based on Spanish Social Security System criteria.
- Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, unpaired t-tests, and multiple logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 179 out of 699 (25.6%) AS patients had permanent work disability.
- Factors independently associated with work disability included age, disease duration, structural damage (total Bath AS Radiological Index), and physical functioning (Bath AS Functional Index, chest expansion).
- Excluding functional index revealed an association with finger to floor distance.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of permanent work disability in Spanish AS patients is substantial.
- Age, disease duration, structural damage, and impaired physical function are key determinants of work disability.
- Further longitudinal studies are recommended to validate these findings.
