Work ability and work disability evaluation in Saudi patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Special emphasis on work ability among housewives

OBJECTIVE: To assess work ability and work satisfaction in Saudi Arabian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare work ability outcomes and work satisfaction levels between housewives and paid workers both suffering from RA.

METHODS: This is a cross sectional study on 120 patients with RA conducted at 3 hospitals between September 2011 and May 2012. The Quantity-Quality Method (Q-Q Method) and the Work Satisfaction Questionnaire were used for the assessment of the impact of RA on the work ability of the patients enrolled in this study. The RA disease severity was assessed using Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).

RESULTS: The mean +/- standard deviation scores were: 5.45 +/- 2.533 (work quantity); 6.22 +/- 2.5218 (work quality); and 6.26 +/- 2.963 (work satisfaction). Work productivity lost due to RA was estimated to be 3.64 hours. Compared with paid workers included in the study, housewives had significantly lower work quantity (p=0.041), quality (p=0.021), and work satisfaction (p=0.040) scores. Fatigue, swollen joint count, tender joint count, HAQ, and the use of biologic therapy were found to be the variables that were significantly related to work quantity.

CONCLUSION: Housewives with RA suffer worse work ability outcomes and poorer work satisfaction compared to paid workers with RA.