Unpacking Early Work Experiences of Young Adults With Rheumatic Disease: An Examination of Absenteeism, Job Disruptions, and Productivity Loss

Abstract

Objective. To examine work absenteeism, job disruptions, and perceived productivity loss and factors associated with each outcome in young adults living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and juvenile arthritis (JA). Methods. One hundred forty-three young adults, ages 18-30 years with SLE (54.5%) and JA (45.5%), completed an online survey of work experiences. Demographic, health (e.g., fatigue, disease activity), psychosocial (e.g., independence, social support), and work context (e.g., career satisfaction, job control, self-disclosure) information was collected. Participants were asked about absenteeism, job disruptions, and perceived productivity loss in the last 6 months. Log Poisson regression analyses examined factors associated with work outcomes. Results. A majority of participants (59%) were employed and reported a well-managed health condition. Employed respondents were satisfied with their career progress and indicated moderate job control. More than 40% of participants reported absenteeism, job disruptions, and productivity loss. Greater job control and self-disclosure, and less social support, were related to a higher likelihood of absenteeism. More disease activity was related to a greater likelihood of reporting job disruptions. Lower fatigue and higher job control were associated with a reduced likelihood of a productivity loss. Conclusion. Young adult respondents with rheumatic disease experienced challenges with employment, including absenteeism, job disruptions, and productivity loss. While related to greater absenteeism, job control could play a role in a young person's ability to manage their health condition and sustain productive employment. Greater attention should also be paid to understanding health factors and social support in early work experiences.

Health perceptions of young adults living with recessive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy

“…Understanding health from the individual's perspective is a prerequisite for reaching the goal of good health in cooperation with the healthcare team. Health among young adults has been described in general (Ainsworth & Ananian 2013, Breiner et al 2014, Park et al 2014 and from the perspectives of living with various disabilities (Blomquist 2006) or diseases (Patterson et al 2012, Ferris et al 2015, Jetha et al 2015. However, while previous research on MD has focused on children and/or parent proxy reports (Bray et al 2010, Lim et al 2014, Opstal et al 2014 adolescents (Pehler & Craft-Rosenberg 2009, Parkyn & Coveney 2013, adults (Bostr€ om & Ahlstr€ om 2004) or young men living Duchenne MD (Dreyer et al 2010, Abbott & Carpenter 2014, there is a gap in knowledge about health perceptions among young adults living with LGMD2.…”

“…, Jetha et al . ). However, while previous research on MD has focused on children and/or parent proxy reports (Bray et al .…”

Experiences, perspectives and expectations of adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis regarding future work participation; a qualitative study

“…Since JIA often persists into adulthood [3][4][5], patients with JIA are likely to encounter difficulties in their working life. Earlier studies showed inconsistencies regarding employment rates and educational achievements of patients with JIA in comparison to the general population [6][7][8][9][10][11]. This ranges from no differences in occupational outcomes between JIA and comparison groups [7] to an alarming 32% of patients with JIA who are either disabled, receive a disability pension, are on sick leave or undergoing rehabilitation treatment [10].…”

“…Some stated that complaints were not always taken seriously during a part-time job, while for others adjustments were made in the workload. Workload adjustments were easily implemented when colleagues were friends or family, as these were considered more supportive (quotations [11][12][13].…”

Education and employment in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis – a standardized comparison to the German general population

“…Other research were able to show an association between arthritis and increased employment rates [15–17]. However, for the general description of the transition process into adulthood, the results of several studies suggest, that there is no significant difference between patients with rheumatic disease and their healthy peers [18]. …”