Introduction:

Despite improved treatments and reduced disability, people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience difficulties in daily life, which may negatively affect their balance of everyday life activities (occupational balance). The aim of this study was to describe occupational balance and its association with self-rated life satisfaction in men and women with RA.

Methods:

A survey, including demographic and health-related questions, was sent to 1,277 people who met the following criteria: with RA >4 years, aged 18–80 years, included in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register (SRQ), and had at least one registered visit to the participating rheumatology units in the year before inclusion. The 682 who answered all items in the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ) were included in the study. Their answers were analysed with descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analyses were conducted on men and women separately.

Results:

Significantly higher occupational balance was identified in those participants who were >65 years, had no children at home, had a lower disease activity score, were not continuously stressed and reported low pain intensity. The results of the logistic regression analyses of both genders showed that higher occupational balance was significantly associated with a higher probability for rating themselves as being satisfied with life as a whole.

Conclusion:

Occupational balance was identified as related to satisfaction with life as a whole, which is valuable information for health professionals. Enhanced occupational balance may be achieved in people with RA by working towards reducing their stress and pain.