|
One
out of every three arthritis sufferers is affected
in ability to work
Arthritis,
a leading cause of disability among US adults, affects 46 million
people. Arthritis-attributable work limitation (AAWL) can have
substantial social and economic impacts including absenteeism,
reduced productivity, work loss and lower income.
Some
studies have examined work limitations for people with specific
rheumatic conditions, but none have presented a complete picture for
the entire spectrum of arthritis in the general population.
A new study published in the April 2007 issue of
Arthritis Care & Research (http://www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/arthritiscare)
estimated the prevalence of AAWL in adults between
the ages of 18 and 64 and examined characteristics
related to AAWL in this age group.
Led by
Kristina A. Theis, MPH, of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, researchers analyzed data from the
2002 National Health Interview Survey, which was administered to
more than 31,000 adults over the age of 18.
The survey
included questions about whether respondents had been diagnosed with
arthritis by a doctor and whether arthritis or joint symptoms
affected whether they worked, and the type or the amount of work
they did. Based on their answers, an estimated 6.9 million
individuals have AAWL.
Respondents were also asked about their physical activity, the
presence of chronic co-conditions, limitations not related to work,
the severity of their joint pain, their work status and disability
payments, and their health access and utilization.
The
results showed that among working age adults, 1 in 20 reported AAWL,
and, among those with arthritis, 1 in 3 reported AAWL. Adults with
arthritis and AAWL had multiple indicators of poor physical health
and function, such as high body mass index, joint pain, physical
limitations in several activities, and frequent doctor's office
visits.
AAWL was
more common in older age groups and, when adjusted for age, was
found to have a higher prevalence among women, non-Hispanic blacks,
and individuals with lower education and income.
The
authors point out that the findings of the study are subject to
limitations typical of observational studies.
The
information was collected by self-report, which may reflect recall
bias, and the presence of arthritis was not confirmed by a health
professional; it may be difficult to attribute work limitation to
arthritis, especially if the person is suffering from multiple
chronic conditions; the wording of the questionnaire did not
distinguish between those who could not work and those whose work
was simply affected in some way.
Nonetheless the size of the study enabled the authors to develop US
national prevalence estimates for AAWL, the results of which can be
used as a benchmark for future studies and to help monitor progress
in reducing the number of people with AAWL. In addition, by
identifying characteristics associated with AAWL, the study may be
useful in developing timely interventions for those at risk of work
disability.
This could
have a major impact not just on these individuals, but on society at
large. Indirect costs of arthritis have been estimated at $35.1
billion for 1997, and the authors note that "protecting workers from
disability, injury, and prolonged negative effects of illness makes
simple social and economic sense."
The
authors note that future research on public health and arthritis
management could address what types of work people with arthritis
are unable to do, which groups are more affected and why, and how
interventions can be tested, targeted and delivered.
They point
out that describing and addressing work limitations is an important
part of preventing disability. They conclude, "This initial
characterization of AAWL will aid in informing research and the
development and evaluation of interventions to decrease work
limitation experienced by individuals with arthritis."
Arthritis-attributable work limitation affects nearly 7 million U.S.
adults, disproportionately affects minority groups, and presents
opportunities to reduce arthritis impact by implementing effective
interventions to preserve and improve function. |
Now,
keep up to date with daily feeds of newly posted stories about America's
Seniors...click on the box to the left