Socioeconomic status in ankylosing spondylitis: relationship between occupation and disease activity.

Objective. To identify the socioeconomic status through occupation of a large cohort of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to determine possible relationships between occupation and clinical variables. Methods. We analyzed the employment status of 1044 patients with AS. Results. 85% of patients (90 of 1044) were in full employment at the time of the assessment compared to 15% who were unemployed. When 50 employed patients were compared to 50 unemployed cases, the latter had increased disease activity and lower psychosocial well being. Conclusion. Employed patients from the higher occupational group (I), had less disease activity, and lower pain and depression than patients from the lowest occupational group (IV).