E017 Impact of rheumatic diseases on employment - a single centre study

Abstract Background/Aims Rheumatic diseases and musculoskeletal conditions are the leading cause for poorer employment outcomes. 23.3 million working days were lost in 2021 due to musculoskeletal conditions. A recent UK study stated that 77% reported the disease affecting their work. 33% had their choice of job limited, 30% reported reducing working hours due to disease, and 19.8% have left work entirely due to rheumatoid arthritis. We aimed to determine the impact of rheumatic diseases on employment and identify the predictors for poorer employment outcomes among rheumatology patients. Methods This is an observational study from a single centre in Basildon, England. We collected data through an anonymised questionnaire on rheumatic diagnosis, employment history, nature of work, reasons for sick leave and employment support. Results 104 patients were recruited: 71% women; 97% Caucasians; age range between 18-90 years. 59% had inflammatory arthritis; 12.5% connective tissue diseases. 66% were of employment age. Of those of employment age, 55% were employed. This is lower in comparison to the national statistics of 59.8% employment rate in our region. 73% of unemployed participants were unemployed due to their disease. Women were unemployed more than men, with ratio of 3:1. We estimated 7.2 years of average employment loss, with spondyloarthropathy patients affected the most. 33% of those who were retired had done so due to their disease. Of those in employment, 39% were in part-time work. Desk jobs (58%) were more likely to be retained. 71% reported that they have been negatively impacted, with 40.7% altering work hours, and 40.7% altering their role and changing jobs altogether. Manual workers took the most sick leave. The three commonest reasons for taking sick days were pain, fatigue and disease flares. Only 9.6% were aware of employment support services, although 76% felt supported by their employers. Patients requested rheumatology-issued support letters and disease information packs aimed at human resources. Conclusion Only 55% of participants were employed, which is below the national rate of 59.8% for the region. Female gender and manual labour were linked to poorer employment outcomes. Most patients reported that their work is negatively affected, with pain, fatigue, and flares being the most common reasons for sick leave. Alarmingly, just 9.6% were aware of employment support available for patients with chronic diseases, underscoring the need to discuss employment resources during care. Disclosure A. Ibrahim: None. J. Tseng: None. A. Bharadwaj: None. A. Nandagudi: None.