Work participation is unaffected in Belgian spondyloarthritis patients : data from the Belgian Inflammatory Arthritis and Spondylitis Cohort

Objectives This study aimed to (i) investigate actual work participation in Belgian spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients compared with the general population, and (ii) identify determinants of work-related outcomes. Material and methods Adult SpA patients from the Ghent University Hospital based Be-GIANT cohort (fulfilling ASAS classification criteria) were cross-sectionally questioned on their socio-economic status and completed a Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire (May 2018 to May 2019). Results were compared with national and regional data on the general population using indirect standardization. Associations between clinical and job characteristics and work-related outcomes were analysed with logistic regression (having a paid job) and negative binomial hurdle models (sick leave and presenteeism, i.e. restrictions while at work). Results A total of 215/262 (82%) patients of working age (