Work productivity in patients with Behçet disease and its association with disease activity and quality of life

Abstract

Introduction Behçet disease is a chronic vasculitis that generally affects young adults in the most productive period of their life. The purpose of this study is to evaluate patients’ work productivity and daily activity impairment, and their relationship with disease activity and quality of life. Method In this study, 55 patients with Behçet disease who are currently working and 50 healthy controls were included. To evaluate quality of life, a 36-item short form health survey was used. For the evaluation of Behçet disease activity and work productivity, the Behçet Disease Current Activity Form and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire were used, respectively. Quality of life and work productivity between patients and healthy controls were compared. Results Scores of all domains of the health survey were significantly worse in patients with Behçet disease (range, p = 0.006 to p < 0.001). The mean Work Productivity and Activity Impairment absenteeism, presenteeism and activity impairment scores were higher in patients with Behçet disease ( p = 0.005, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant correlation between Behçet Disease Current Activity Form score and absenteeism ( r = 0.32, p = 0.016). Moreover, there was significant correlation between Work Productivity and Activity Impairment and most domains of the health survey (range, r = −0.27 to –0.64, range, p = 0.047 to p < 0.001). Conclusion Our results showed remarkable impairment in work productivity and health-related quality of life in Behçet disease. There is a strong correlation between work productivity and quality of life. To improve work productivity, more effective therapeutic approaches and improvements in working conditions should be provided.