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Work participation in patients with systemic sclerosis: a systematic review
S Decuman1, V Smith, S T L Verhaeghe
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium. saskia.decuman@ugent.be.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|November 6, 2014
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) significantly impacts work participation, with a weighted mean of 37% of patients not working. Factors like disability, health, and disease duration are strongly associated with employment status in SSc patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Occupational Health
- Systemic Sclerosis Research
Background:
- Work participation is a crucial aspect of life quality for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- Understanding the factors influencing employment in SSc patients is essential for developing targeted support strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on work participation among individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- To identify key factors associated with work participation in patients with SSc.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Nursing and Allied Health, PsychARTICLES) from 1980 onwards.
- Eligibility of identified articles was assessed by two independent investigators, with reference lists also searched for additional studies.
- Quantitative and qualitative studies were included, with meta-analysis performed on relevant quantitative data.
Main Results:
- Eight quantitative and one qualitative study were analyzed, revealing that 18% to 61% of SSc patients are not working, with a weighted mean of 37%.
- Multivariate analysis identified significant associations between work participation and global disability, health status, disease duration, and educational level.
- Other associated factors included skin/lung involvement, age, fatigue, muscle involvement, hand function, income, race, social support, and job demands.
Conclusions:
- Current research on SSc work participation is predominantly quantitative and cross-sectional.
- There is a need for longitudinal studies to establish causality regarding factors affecting work participation.
- Qualitative research is recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences of SSc patients in the workforce.
