Importance of Obtaining Remission for Work Productivity and Activity of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors relevant to work and activity impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: In total, 1274 consecutive patients were included. Work and activity impairment were measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, and related clinical factors were examined. RESULTS: Work and activity impairment was reported by 67.4% of the patients. Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed pain and non-remission to be associated with activity impairment and presenteeism. Patients in remission had significantly less activity impairment and presenteeism than those with low disease activity. CONCLUSION: Remission achievement is essential for ensuring work performance and activity.