Sjögren's disease, occupational performance and quality of life

Sjögren's disease is an autoimmune disease with dry eyes and mouth and chronic pain, more frequent in middle-aged women. The aim of this study is to understand the impact of Sjögren's disease on quality of life and occupational health.

Quantitative and qualitative comparative study, with 20 Sjögren's disease and 25 healthy controls. Questionnaires and interviews were applied to assess occupational performance, quality of life, mood disorders, and sleep.

The combined major diagnostic parameters for Sjögren's disease (focus score and anti-SSA/Ro positivity) were present in 85% of the Sjögren's disease group. There was a correlation between the sicca symptom measured by the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), anxiety, and depression measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; r = 0.56; p = 0.009), as well as fatigue measured by the Profile of fatigue and discomfort questionnaire (PROFAD) (r = 0.78; p < 0.0001). Sjögren's disease patients reported a loss of physical abilities, sleep disturbance, change in mood, social and occupational participation, and lower quality of life.

Sjögren's disease patients have poorer quality of life, loss of competencies, and sleep disturbances compared to controls. Novel strategies are necessary to improve occupational health in SjD.