World Arthritis Day - October 12

Survey finds employers more likely to hire people with disabilities when supported by incentives, legislation and a better understanding of needs

Media Contact:
Angela McMillan | 404-965-7558

ATLANTA, October 12, 2009 -- Nearly half of people with rheumatic diseases reported experiencing difficulties finding work because of their condition in an international survey conducted by EULAR, the European League Against Rheumatism, for World Arthritis Day. The survey also revealed that nearly 70 percent of employers think it is important to gain a better understanding of the needs of people with rheumatic diseases.¹

Rheumatic diseases cover more than 200 musculoskeletal conditions affecting more than 100 million people in Europe, and 46 million in the U.S., many of whom are of working age. Enabling people with rheumatic diseases to work and including them in the workforce is of significant financial benefit to society. The direct and indirect costs of providing health and social care for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis alone in 2007 was 45 billion Euros².

"Arthritis is a debilitating disease that profoundly impacts the lives of millions of Americans on a daily basis," said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO, Arthritis Foundation. "The effects of the 46 million Americans with arthritis on the economy are enormous; the direct and indirect medical costs of this disease are estimated to be $128 billion each year." Klippel adds that this figure stems from the fact that annually, arthritis accounts for 44 million outpatient visits, 992,100 hospitalizations and 9,367 deaths.

When asked what sort of incentives would encourage employers to hire more people with rheumatic diseases or disabilities, 85.8% said financial incentives, followed by legislation (50.7%).

The two-year Let’s Work Together campaign aims to make employers aware that small adaptations can enable people with rheumatic diseases to contribute to the workforce and to society, and seeks to bring together employers, health professionals and people with chronic diseases to start this dialogue and education process.

Among the people with rheumatic diseases surveyed, the most important changes to the workplace were: supportive employers and co-workers (50.3%), flexible working hours (45.5%) and adjustable furniture (29.7%). However, only 33.6 percent of respondents said adjustments had been made to their workplace.

Health professionals have an important role in enabling people with rheumatic diseases to work, and more than 68 percent reported that they always consider or implement strategies to help their patients stay employed. It is vital that health professionals continue to support patients through early diagnosis, access to the most appropriate treatments and therapies, and ongoing care so that people with chronic diseases such as arthritis can rejoin or be retained in the workforce.

The Arthritis Foundation is working to curb the impact of arthritis through the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act (H.R.1210), which proposes strengthening public health prevention initiatives to ensure early diagnosis and treatment to help prevent permanent disability. The alternative is to pay more for the burden of arthritis in escalating health care and disability costs and the impact on the American workforce.

"We know that workers diagnosed with arthritis leave their jobs earlier than those without arthritis," Klippel said. "Given the recession, any viable health care reform platform must ensure that our valuable workers stay healthy and stay on the job."

The survey was conducted by EULAR on the World Arthritis Day Web site (www.worldarthritisday.org), and was completed by more than 3,300 people from 79 countries, including responses from people with rheumatic diseases, health professionals treating them and employers.

About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country and offers programs that can decrease the pain and disability associated with arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.

- Notes to editors -

About the World Arthritis Day survey and Let’s Work Together projects
Each year, the World Arthritis Day survey (PDF) looks at different aspects of rheumatic diseases and generates statistics to support a call for better standards of treatment and care for people with rheumatic diseases. The Let's Work Together theme considers the challenges of work, whether paid employment, voluntary work or work at home supporting a family. The survey embraces people with rheumatic diseases, healthcare professionals and employers and aims to increase understanding and cooperation between these groups. More information about Let’s Work Together and the other World Arthritis Day projects is available online at www.worldarthritisday.org.

Rheumatic Diseases
Rheumatic diseases cover more than 200 musculoskeletal conditions (including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) affecting more than 100 million people of all ages across Europe.

Arthritis
Arthritis is a term used to describe more than 100 different conditions affecting 46 million Americans of all ages. Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and is the most common cause of disability in the U.S.

__________________________
¹ Survey results accessed 30 September 2009
² The burden of rheumatoid arthritis and access to treatment: health burden and costs. Lundkvist, L.; Kastäng, F.; Kobelt, G. published online, Springer Verlag 2007