Abstract
Background: AS typically starts in early adulthood and therefore has a significant impact on work participation. We evaluated the work-related costs associated with AS in the UK.
Methods: Participants in the existing Population-based AS cohort (n = 512) were invited to complete the Work Limitations Questionnaire, the Work Productivity and Activity Questionnaire and a cost questionnaire, in addition to validated measures of AS severity (BASDAI, BASFI). Indirect costs were estimated using the human capital approach (patients’ perspective). Age and sex specific average daily wage rates for UK employees in 2010 from the Office of National Statistics were used to value the lost hours due to AS. Logistic regression was used to explore which variables were associated with work outcome.
Results: 482 participants completed the work questionnaires. 75% of the respondents were male; the mean age was 53.5 years (s.d. ± 13.8); mean BASDAI 44.7 (95% CI 42.4, 46.9) and BASFI 47.6 (95% CI 45, 50.2). Mean AS disease duration was 19.8 years from diagnosis and 28.3 years from symptom onset. 397 patients were of working age (<66 years), of which 43% were not working, giving a 57% labour force participation rate. Of those not working, the mean age of retirement was 53.6 years, with AS the main reason for early retirement reported by 74%. On average, AS patients retired 9.5 years earlier than the normal population. The early retirement cost of AS spread across all patients was estimated to be £8107 (95% CI 6834, 9380) and was significantly higher in those with BASDAI or BASFI ≥40, with no significant gender differences. On average, working patients missed 3.5% of their work time (absenteeism) and report 22% impairment while working (presenteeism). Overall impairment in daily regular activities due to ill health was 33% for those working and 52% for those not in work. Average work-related AS costs were estimated at £869 due to absenteeism and £7241 due to presenteeism per working patient per year. Combined costs were £3836 per AS patient overall and £8110 per working AS patient per year. Productivity losses were highest in those with worst function (BASFI ≥40), older age and male gender. The total work-related costs of AS due to early retirement, absenteeism and presenteeism were estimated to be £11943 per AS patient per year.
Methods: Participants in the existing Population-based AS cohort (n = 512) were invited to complete the Work Limitations Questionnaire, the Work Productivity and Activity Questionnaire and a cost questionnaire, in addition to validated measures of AS severity (BASDAI, BASFI). Indirect costs were estimated using the human capital approach (patients’ perspective). Age and sex specific average daily wage rates for UK employees in 2010 from the Office of National Statistics were used to value the lost hours due to AS. Logistic regression was used to explore which variables were associated with work outcome.
Results: 482 participants completed the work questionnaires. 75% of the respondents were male; the mean age was 53.5 years (s.d. ± 13.8); mean BASDAI 44.7 (95% CI 42.4, 46.9) and BASFI 47.6 (95% CI 45, 50.2). Mean AS disease duration was 19.8 years from diagnosis and 28.3 years from symptom onset. 397 patients were of working age (<66 years), of which 43% were not working, giving a 57% labour force participation rate. Of those not working, the mean age of retirement was 53.6 years, with AS the main reason for early retirement reported by 74%. On average, AS patients retired 9.5 years earlier than the normal population. The early retirement cost of AS spread across all patients was estimated to be £8107 (95% CI 6834, 9380) and was significantly higher in those with BASDAI or BASFI ≥40, with no significant gender differences. On average, working patients missed 3.5% of their work time (absenteeism) and report 22% impairment while working (presenteeism). Overall impairment in daily regular activities due to ill health was 33% for those working and 52% for those not in work. Average work-related AS costs were estimated at £869 due to absenteeism and £7241 due to presenteeism per working patient per year. Combined costs were £3836 per AS patient overall and £8110 per working AS patient per year. Productivity losses were highest in those with worst function (BASFI ≥40), older age and male gender. The total work-related costs of AS due to early retirement, absenteeism and presenteeism were estimated to be £11943 per AS patient per year.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Rheumatology |
| Volume | 53 |
| Issue number | Suppl 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Apr 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |