AB0103 IS GOUT THE BOSS? A QUALITATIVE INTERVIEW STUDY EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF GOUT ON WORK
Authors: C. Diaz-Torne, M. A. Pou, A. Horne, C. Gasteiger, N. Dalbeth
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and inflammation and reduces patients' quality of life. Previous qualitative studies have analyzed the impact of gout on various domains, but there have been no previous studies designed to examine its impact on work and employment. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To identify and describe patients' experiences of the impact of gout on work and employment. <h3>Methods:</h3> A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with patients who had experienced a gout flare during their working years was conducted. Participants, from New Zealand and Spain, met the 2015 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for gout. The study used purposive sampling to ensure diverse demographics, job types, and gout characteristics. The interviews covered the impact of gout while working, job changes, disclosure, and co-worker reactions. The final sample size was determined when the richness, depth and relevance of the information obtained was reached and when no additional themes were identified. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Verbatim transcripts of audio recordings were subjected to reflexive thematic analysis. <h3>Results:</h3> Eighteen participants with gout were included. Demographic, clinical, and work characteristics are shown in Table 1. Six key themes were identified: 1. Gout Factors: Participants highlighted the intensity of pain, the presence of tophi, and the joints affected as critical factors. Severe flares often made work nearly impossible, while mild flares were inconvenient. The location of the affected joint also influenced patients' ability to work. 2. Work Factors: Jobs with high physical requirements were particularly challenging. Lack of workplace flexibility, including the inability to work remotely, change meeting dates, or adapt tasks, had a major impact on the ability to continue working. 3. Physical Experiences: Participants described a wide range of physical experiences, from working with discomfort to being unable to work. The ability to work and concentration were affected by the severity of the flare. Additionally, difficulty in commuting to the workplace was an important factor. 4. Emotional Experiences: Feeling responsible for missed work, reduced efficiency, or the need for help were common. Some felt embarrassed about having gout and tried to hide it, especially younger people and women. Others experienced guilt, particularly if they believed their disease was self-inflicted. Some also reported feeling depressed due to the limitations imposed by gout. 5. Social Experiences: The effects of gout extended beyond work and affected other spheres. This included concerns about disclosing the condition at work, the prioritization of work over other life roles, and the negative financial impact. 6. Positive Impacts of Effective Gout Management: Effective gout management was identified as crucial to improve work experiences. Understanding the disease, managing gout flares with NSAIDs, and regular urate-lowering therapy were key elements to prevent flares, reduce pain intensity, and maintain the ability to work. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> This study sheds light on the multifaceted impact of gout on work and employment, emphasizing the importance of both disease management and workplace adaptations for gout patients. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>