According to the findings of a study, led by the Toronto Western Research Institute’s Simone A. Kaptein, arthritis apparently has a profound effect on the work ability of a person; and women arthritis patients are much more likely to relinquish their jobs than men suffering from arthritis.

The study, published in the May issue of Arthritis Care and Research, substantiates the earlier studies which had concluded that there is an increasing loss of skilled workers as nearly half of the people suffering from severe forms of arthritis, more often than not, quit their jobs.

Making use of the 2001-02 Canadian Participation and Activity Survey data, pertaining to nearly 29,000 individuals, the study analyzed the responses for almost 9,000 individuals, between 25 and 64 years of age.

The questions that were put to the respondents included those related to both the intensity as well as the rate of recurrence of activity limitations - like standing for long periods; climbing stairs; moving about between rooms; bending over; carrying or picking up objects; using fingers; traveling by car.

As the disability caused by arthritis affects people’s ability to live independently and work satisfactorily, most people quit working. A Torornto release said that while men with children mostly remained employed, single women likely remain out of the labor force.