Examination of Work Performance of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

The aim was to investigate the factors affecting and associated with work performance of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Fifty RA were included.

The average annual disease leave was 4.16±8.77 days. 12% of patients changed works due to disease, 32% reduced working hours, 20% quit works. Arthritis Work Spillover Scale had low correlation with Disease Activity Score-28, ABILHAND-RA questionnaire, Biopsychosocial Questionnaire, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire-Activity, Short Form-36-Mental, Unsupported Upper-Limb Exercise Test-duration and level, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure (r:0.282-r:0.453) and had moderate correlation with Visual Analog Scale-General Pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), DASH-W, Short Form-36-Physical (r:0.516-r:-0.687)(p<0.05).

With significant impact on working life, work spillover related to disease activity, pain, functionality, respiratory muscle strength, biopsychosocial status, respiratory and health-related quality of life in RA.