[Occupational balance, disability and functionality in people with rheumatic disease].

Background: We aimed to assess the occupational balance of people with rheumatic disease, analyze its relationship with participation, performance, and satisfaction with daily life activities, and evaluate whether age or receiving non-pharmacological treatment affects the outcome.

Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out between March and November 2021; patients with non-advanced stage of rheumatic disease from the ConArtritis Association - selected through simple random sampling -, were included. Sociodemographic data and scores from the OBQ, IMPACT-S, COPM questionnaires, and a questionnaire created ad hoc for daily life activities were collected online and/or by telephone.

Results: The occupational balance of the 47 participants was low (OBQ: 34.2; SD: 13.7). Despite a high participation in daily life activities (IMPACT-S: 76.8; SD: 13.1), the degree of performance and satisfaction with these activities was far from optimal (COPM-R: 3.9; SD: 2.0 and COPM-S: 4.3; SD: 2.5); 46.8% of the participants found limitations in at least four daily life activities (basic and instrumental) and 61.7% used at least one support product in their daily lives. These limitations reduced their resting time and affected their jobs, hobbies, and personal relationships. The level of performance was negatively related to age (p=0.04); No changes in the scores were found in patients who received non-pharmacological treatment.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that individuals with non- advanced stage of a rheumatic disease perceive that their occupational balance may be improved should they have fewer limitations in daily life activities.