Disability and health-related quality of life are associated with restricted social participation in young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objectives: To describe a cohort of Finnish juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients, to recognize those young adults who are at risk of becoming socially restricted by their long-term rheumatic disease, and to assess which areas of self-rated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are associated with the emergence of restricted social participation.Methods: A total of 195 young adults with JIA completed questionnaires addressing demographics, health behaviour, physical activity, functional ability, HRQoL, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem. Patients were classified as having non-restricted social participation if they were engaged in studying, working, maternity leave, or military service, and restricted social participation if they were unemployed or on disability pension.Results: Of the patients, 162 (83%) were considered as having non-restricted social participation and 33 (16%) restricted social participation. Among patients with restricted social participation, five (15%) were on disability pe...