Factors leading to work absenteeism in Tunisian ankylosing spondylitis patients

Abstract

BackgroundThe work productivity loss due to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has a notable socioeconomic impact. Aim of the workTo evaluate the professional characteristics of Tunisian AS patients and determine conditions that lead to absenteeism. Patients and methods99 AS patients were included. Disease characteristics and specific AS indices were assessed; Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath AS disease functional index (BASFI), Bath AS disease global index (BASG-s), Bath AS radiologic index (BASRI), hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) scale and Shorts Form-36 (SF-36). Visual analogue scale was used to evaluate pain and fatigue. Patients were questioned on their work situation, work sector, work conditions (rhythm, posture, working hours, distance to workplace, duration of rest) and whether they have missed work time during the last three months because of their disease. ResultsMean age of patients was 40.02±11.78years; 70 men and 29 women. The mean disease duration was 11.87±10.7years. Absenteeism was present in 23.2% of the cases. Only the deterioration of the mental component of the SF-36 was associated with absenteeism (p=0.03). Depression and anxiety states seemed not to increase absenteeism, gender and work sector had no influence. Factors significantly associated with absenteeism were increased working hours (p=0.037), bad posture (p=0.001), stress at work (p=0.035) and insufficient day rest duration (p=0.007). Carrying heavy loads tended to be more frequent in the absenteeism group (p=0.08). ConclusionAbsenteeism is high amongst Tunisian AS patients. Work conditions were important factors of absenteeism in Tunisian AS patients that directly influence productivity.