Work disability among people with ankylosing spondylitis

Objective, To investigate work disability among people with ankylosing spon dylitis (AS) in terms of correlates and coping mechanisms. Methods. The sample group (n = 133) was recruited through 2 sources: 1) con secutive patients attending outpatient clinics over a 6-month period, and 2 ) a random sample of members of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society . We used a cross-sectional survey with data collected by self-administered questionnaires and telephone interviews with a randomly selected subsample (n = 6). Results. The majority of participants were men. The mean age was 49 years; the mean disease duration was 28 years. Thirty-one percent were unable to w ork because of AS, with an additional 15% reporting changes to their workin g lives attributable to AS (e.g., reduction in hours worked, change of job) . Compared with being in full-time work, work disability was associated wit h being older, longer disease duration, lower educational standard, comorbi dity, greater physical impairment, pain, fatigue, stiffness, anxious and de pressed mood, and lower self-esteem. Descriptive data added further insight into the experience of work disability and coping with AS in a work enviro nment. Conclusion. Work disability is worthy of further investigation to determine exact prevalence rates and psychosocial implications. Work disability coul d be addressed with simple interventions or adaptations in the workplace.