The impact of rheumatoid arthritis – shocking new statistics

Published May 28, 2015

A US survey of people with rheumatoid arthritis highlights the severe impact the disease has on quality of life, employment and the ability to afford treatment.
About 1.3 million people in the US (and 400,000 people in the UK) have rheumatoid arthritis. An online survey of 3,561 people with rheumatoid arthritis in the US found that:
• 94% said they cannot do as much as they were able to before acquiring the disease;
• 67% said others do not understand the severity of their symptoms;
• Only 37% are still working full time;
• 78% said their work has been affected, with the top concerns being fatigue (92%), pain (84%) and physical limitations (50%);
• Many respondents report needing help with daily activities, such as cleaning (75%) and other household duties (52%);
• 41% reported having a caregiver actively involved in managing their rheumatoid arthritis, typically a spouse;
• About half of respondents reported satisfaction with their treatments and only 21% were dissatisfied. People on biologics had a slightly higher satisfaction rate;
• 30% have spent at least $2,000 on rheumatoid arthritis treatments during the last year;
• 38% had avoided medications because of cost.
“The affordability of effective rheumatoid arthritis treatments is a serious concern,” said Mariah Leach, a contributor to www.rheumatoidarthritis.net, where the survey was conducted. “When you consider the burden this disease places on patients in terms of quality of life and employment, it is clear that supporting these individuals with treatment options can yield many benefits.”

Click here to read the full survey.

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Image credit: Ken Teegardin/www.SeniorLiving.Org