Overcoming Perceived Barriers to Employment Among People with Arthritis

Abstract

Work disability is a major problem for people with arthritis. The INTO WORK Personal Development (IWPD) programme aims to prevent work disability by addressing the internal and external barriers faced by people with arthritis seeking to fulfil their employment potential. The effectiveness of the programme was examined in a pretest–post-test study with an intervention group ( n = 37) and a comparison control group ( n = 42). Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and focus groups. Significant decreases on anxiety ( p = .0002), depression ( p = .009) and negative mood ( p = .029), and significant improvements on positive mood ( p = .011), self-esteem ( p = .002) and satisfaction with life ( p = .010) were found for the intervention group only. The IWPD programme appears to promote self-determination, psychological well-being and strategies for overcoming perceived barriers to employment among people with arthritis.