‘Gout was like the boss’. A qualitative study exploring the impact of gout on employment

Abstract

Objective Previous research has identified that gout impacts various domains of daily life. However, there have been no qualitative studies focusing on employment. This study aimed to understand the impact of gout on employment.Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted in Spain and Aotearoa/New Zealand, in people with gout (according to the 2015 American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology criteria) who had experienced a gout flare during their employment. The interviews were guided by questions exploring the impact on employment, job changes, disclosure and co-workers’ reactions. Data were analysed thematically.Results Eighteen participants were interviewed (89% male, mean age 52.9 years). Six themes were identified. The characteristics of the disease (pain intensity, tophi and joints affected) and the job itself (including physical job requirement and workplace flexibility) determined the experience of working with gout. The experiences were divided into physical (from total incapacity to working despite pain), emotional (feeling responsible, embarrassment, guilt and depression) and social (including disclosure responses and financial impact). Gout management strategies including rapid gout flare management and urate-lowering therapy reduced the number of flares and the intensity of pain, and allowed work attendance and participation.Conclusion Both gout and work characteristics influence the employment experience for people with gout. Effective management of gout led to improved work experiences in all its domains.