Is avoidant coping independent of disease status and stable over time in patients with ankylosing spondylitis?

Objective: To determine whether avoidant coping in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is independent of disease status and whether it is stable over time. Methods: 658 patients with AS completed a postal questionnaire on health status, including pain and stiffness (BASDAI), physical function (BASFI), and coping (CORS). In CORS, "decreasing activities...

Assessment of fatigue in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A psychometric analysis

Objectives. To investigate whether the single-item fatigue question of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) are appropriate instruments to measure fatigue in ankylosing spondylitis (AS); to identify factors that influence fatigue in AS; and to assess how fatigue in all...

Employment perspectives of patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Objectives: To assess the labour market position of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in relation to disease duration and to identify potential factors in relation to withdrawal from the labour force. Methods: A cross sectional mail survey was conducted among 658 patients with AS. Participation in the labour force was defined as having a...

Employment work disability and work days lost in patients with ankylosing spondylitis A cross sectional study of Dutch patients

Objective - To evaluate employment status, work disability, and work days lost in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods - A questionnaire was sent to 709 patients with AS aged 16-60. The results of 658 of the patients could be analysed. Results - After adjustment for age, labour force participation was decreased by 15.4% in male...