Education and employment in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis – a standardized comparison to the German general population

• DOI: 10.1186/s12969-017-0172-2
• Publication Date: 2017-05-22T13:57:09Z
• Authors: Jenny Schlichtiger; Johannes-Peter Haas; Swaantje Barth; Betty Bisdorff; Lisa Hager; Hartmut Michels; Boris Hügle; Katja Radon
• Keywords: Adult; Employment; Male; Health Status; Diseases of the musculoskeletal system; Pediatrics; Chronic disease; RJ1-570; Education; Disability Evaluation; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Germany; Surveys and Questionnaires; Humans; Jia; 4. Education; Juvenile idiopathic arthritis; Arthritis, Juvenile; Cross-Sectional Studies; RC925-935; German general population; 8. Economic growth; Direct standardization; Quality of Life; Educational Status; Female; Research Article

Although several studies show that JIA-patients have significantly lower employment rates than the general population, research on educational and occupational attainments in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) remain conflicting most likely due to small sample sizes. Therefore, aim of this study is compare achievements status 3698 German population (GGP). "SEPIA" was a large cross-sectional current historic cohort treated single center between 1952 2010. For analyses education sub-cohort extracted, including only adult cases confirmed diagnosis JIA (N = 2696). Participants were asked fill out standardized written questionnaire employment. Outcome measures (education/unemployment) directly GGP using data obtained from National Educational Panel Study 2013 11,728) Unemployment Statistics 2012 Federal Statistical Office 42,791,000). After age- sex-standardization, 3% (95% Confidence Interval 1.9 4.1%) more (26%) (23%) had reached primary education. In contrast, parents similar levels as GGP. With difference 0.2% CI: 0.16 0.19%), unemployment rate slightly, but not higher Stratifying for disease duration treatment status, differences persons diagnosed before 2001, whilst after 2000, found ongoing disease. Medium high did differ statistically significant GPP. are Furthermore we able identify slightly level unemployment, especially those still under longer duration. Better options well further development social support programs might help overcome lifelong secondary effect JIA.