Session Information
Title: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Clinical Aspects and Treatment: Treatment and Management Studies
Session Type: Abstract Submissions (ACR)
Background/Purpose Lupus imposes a substantial burden on patients’ work productivity1; however, little is known about its impact on the work productivity of those caring for individuals with lupus. In this study, we examined the impact of lupus on work productivity in a sample of patients with lupus and caregivers.
Methods An online cross-sectional survey of English-speaking respondents aged ≥18 years with 1) self-reported diagnosis of lupus or 2) self-reported caregivers of individuals with lupus was conducted across the US in partnership with the Lupus Foundation of America between February and March 2014. Demographic and clinical information, as well as other self-reported measures, including the work productivity and activity index (WPAI), were collected. The WPAI is a 6-item, 4-domain questionnaire that measures respondents’ levels of impairment in work and general activities over the past 7 days.1The four domains are: 1) absenteeism—time missed from work; 2) presenteeism—impairment of productivity while at work; 3) overall loss of work productivity—combination of absenteeism and presenteeism domains; and 4) activity impairment—impairment in activities of daily living outside of work. The responses for each of the four domains are expressed as impairment percentages, with higher numbers indicating greater impairment and reduced productivity.
Results A total of 827 patients with lupus and 253 caregivers completed the survey. Almost all patients (97.5%) were females; 49.2% of all patient respondents reporting being employed, with 30.7% of them working part time. Around half of the caregivers (54.2%) were males; 68.8% of all caregiver respondents reported being employed, with 14.4% of them working part time. Patients who were employed missed an average of 16.6% of paid work time because of lupus, reported an almost 46.4% reduction in on-the-job effectiveness and a 36.6% impairment in overall work productivity. Caregivers who were employed missed an average of 12.8% of paid work time because of caregiving responsibilities, reported a 33.5% reduction in on-the-job effectiveness and a 27.4% impairment in overall work productivity. Overall, for those who were employed, there was no substantial difference between the number of hours missed from work during the past 7 days because of lupus 6.3 hours and the number of hours missed from work during the past 7 days because of taking care of an individual with lupus 5.2 hours. Overall, all patients reported an average of 64.8% of impairment in activities outside of work, whereas an average of 46.7% was reported by caregivers.
Conclusion Lupus has a substantial impact on work productivity for not only patients, but also for caregivers. Understanding the extent to which lupus impacts caregivers and patients will help healthcare professionals and policymakers expand their outreach to consider the well-being of caregivers.
Reference:
1Reilly MC, Zbrozek AS, Dukes EM. The validity and reproducibility of a work productivity and activity impairment instrument. PharmacoEconomics. 1993; 4(5):353-65.
Disclosure:
S. Al Sawah,
Eli Lilly and Company,
3;
R. P. Daly,
Eli Lilly and Company,
5;
S. Foster,
None;
A. Naegeli,
Eli Lilly and Company,
3;
K. Benjamin,
Eli Lilly and Company,
5;
H. Doll,
Eli Lilly and Company,
5;
G. Bond,
Eli Lilly and Company,
5;
O. Moshkovich,
Eli Lilly and Company,
5;
G. Alarcón,
Eli Lilly and Company,
5.
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