Stiffness, fatigue, pain and difficulty moving joints: the consequences of rheumatoid arthritis are often underestimated in the workplace. However, as the French Congress of Rheumatology opens, the PRET study (Rheumatoid Polyarthritis and Work) shows that only 38% of people with rheumatoid arthritis benefit from an adaptation of their workstation.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common pathology. Generally diagnosed in patients between the ages of 40 and 60, it evolves slowly and by pushing to lead, in the absence of treatment, to the destruction of the joints.
“This pathology requires post adjustments to avoid aggravating the symptoms but also, and this is very important, to allow the stabilization phases to continue” insists Dr. Martine Giros, occupational physician in Paris.
However, the PRET study is final :
– 26% of patients believe that their needs in terms of adapting their workstations are unsatisfied;
– 75% of inactive patients say they have left the labor market for good because of their pathology;
– 49% of active patients report work stoppages in the last 12 months;
– Nearly 7 out of 10 job seekers attribute this situation to their illness.
Carried out under the aegis of a scientific committee, this study involved 144 doctors and 488 patients under the age of 60. It highlighted a real lack of information in occupational medicine on the pathology and its challenges, and a lack of knowledge of the possible arrangements and the financial aid that can support their implementation.
That is why the Andar (National Association for the Defense against Rheumatoid Arthritis) will soon make available to patients a detailed informative booklet on patient rights, aid and procedures, the role of each contact person. “The aim of this booklet is to help patients make the right decisions throughout their professional career and to allow them to better communicate on this subject with their general practitioner, their rheumatologist and also their occupational physician” explains the association.
More info on the green number: 0800 001 159
Read also
The right diet to relieve rheumatoid arthritis
Polyarthritis: remission goal
Polyarthritis: good hygiene to limit attacks
