Work participation is unaffected in Belgian spondyloarthritis patients: data from the BelGian Inflammatory Arthritis and SpoNdylitis cohorT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to (1) investigate actual work participation in Belgian spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients compared to the general population, and (2) identify determinants of work-related outcomes. 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 - May 2019). Results were compared to national and regional data on the general population using indirect standardization. Associations between clinical and job characteristics and work-related outcomes were analyzed with logistic regression (having a paid job) and negative binomial hurdle models (sick leave and presenteeism, i.e. restrictions while at work). RESULTS: 215/262 (82%) patients of working-age (