OP0317-PARE THE CONTEMPORARY WORK-RELATED BURDEN OF DISEASE FOR PEOPLE WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES IN GREECE
Authors: K. Koutsogianni, F. Asimakopoulou, E. Repa, I. Papadakis, M. Chatziioannou, A. Verikiou, M. Chatzigeorgiou, P. Pratsidou-Gertsi, I. Chatzikrystallis
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2021)

Background: EULAR recommendations emphasize the importance of suitable working conditions for people with Rheumatic diseases (RD). Thus, opportunities and choices at work need to be increased for people with rheumatic diseases. Conversely, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the working population and particularly those with chronic conditions, such as those with RD. However, there is still a lack of reliable data. Objectives: To depict contemporary real-life data regarding the work-related burden of disease among Greek patients with RD. To develop a White Paper with proposals to the State in order to facilitate people with rheumatic diseases to rejoin or be retained in the work force. Methods: A 24-item quantitative questionnaire was uploaded in the website and social media of REUMAZEIN to capture patients’ responses in respect to work life. The questionnaire was online accessible for a 45-day period (15/8-30/9/2020). Results: The responses of 503 adult people with RD (M/F/NA 94/408/1), were available for analysis. Their age was stratified in decades (18-20 0.6%,21-30 5.99%, 31-40 22.36%, 41-50 38.92%, 51-60 22.16% and over 60 9.58%); totally, 83.44% were in the “work-reproductive” period. The predominant RD types were RA 30.3%, SLE 22.8%, AS 20.2% and PsA 20.2%, respectively. Nearly 90% were on medication, namely 40% on biologics, 33% on methotrexate (as a monotherapy or combined therapy), 16.2% on steroids. A minority were either on alternative therapies (2.8%) or off medication (7.5%), respectively. Most of the people were still employed (72.9%) on a full-time schedule (57.7%) and 4.8% on a part-time one, due to their RD. The rest of them (27.1%) were out of work either due to RD (17%) or retirement (1.7%) or for unrelated to the RD reasons (8.4%). The main source of financial income was personal work (52.4%), followed by a family member support (31.1%), while 11% had either a state pension (8%) or a subsidy (3.2%). In respect to the daily house-keeping, half of them (59.3%) had a varying difficulty (mild 36.3%, severe 23%) and 0.8% considered themselves as “unable”. The diagnosis was mostly established (81%) prior to the work onset. Post-diagnosis, RD had not affected their working schedule in 47.2%, 17% continued to work with respective adaptations but 30% had quitted or resigned from their work 1-7 years later. RD was notified to the work environment by 85%. As for a compassionate work management, 46% reported no change, 28% an improved policy but 28% a worse one. The development of relative adaptations in the work setting (as chairs, devices, flexible schedule) were considered as favorite factors easing the work by 85%. 17% reported an employer’s knowledge on RD related working legislation, 43% the contrary and another 38.7% wished for a future employer’s awareness. Most of the participants (58.9%) had no personal information on this field but were eager to get it. The uneventful impact of RD on finding or keeping a job was registered by 77.4% and 66.9%, respectively. During COVID, most of the participants (53%) have not asked for an RD-related leave and only 24.2% chose to telework, a policy that raised mutual satisfaction in 19%. Of note, the working conditions have not mainly been altered (67%) after the end of the 1st quarantine. Conclusion: This study highlighted that although RD predominate in females, women are more willing to participate in such projects (F 90%). The financial income was mainly based on a personal or a family member work reimbursement (83%), while 11% depended on a state pension or subsidy. The majority has notified the RD to their work environment (85%) while another 85% considered as favorite factors easing the work, several adaptations in the work setting such as chairs, devices, flexible schedule etc. Interestingly, 60% of the participants were unaware of the beneficial legal work rights and nearly 70% of them believe that RD is an obstacle for employment or working maintenance. COVID has not dramatically impaired their work life although the use of teleworking should be strengthened. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.