MEDIA RELEASE PR37567
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Want Pain-Free Days at Christmas
BRUSSELS, Dec. 14 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
- Results From a Survey Conducted by UCB Assessing the Lifestyles of
Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Seven Major Industrialized Countries
- A third of women living with rheumatoid arthritis say their disease impacts their enjoyment of the festive
season
- Women living with rheumatoid arthritis find shopping for gifts, preparing holiday food, writing cards and
wrapping presents most difficult to do
- Nearly two thirds of women living with rheumatoid arthritis experience pain daily
A global survey reveals that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a severe emotional and physical impact on
people living with the disease and their families. Feelings of detachment and isolation from those closest to
them due to RA are especially prevalent at Christmas, which should be one of the happiest times of the year.
The survey findings of 1,958 women with RA from seven countries worldwide, suggest that 35% of women
living with RA feel the disease impacts on their enjoyment of family events during the festive season.
The survey, sponsored by biopharmaceutical company UCB, highlights that 23% of women living with RA
find it always painful, more difficult or have stopped attending parties or celebrations due to their condition,
and 44% of women with moderate to severe RA report they don't enjoy family events such as Christmas as
much as they used to. Even amongst young women (25 - 35 year olds), 28% feel their enjoyment of family
events is restricted due to their RA.
Personal relations are also impacted by RA with one third of women believing the condition affects their
closest relationships for the worse, and more than half feel that friends and family do not understand their
pain.
"The holidays are an occasion to spend fun quality time with family and friends, not a period for anxiety due
to busy schedules, social gatherings, and the pain associated with over activity. However, for many women
living with RA this isolation and pain is a common feeling," said Dr. Vibeke Strand, Adjunct Clinical Professor,
Division of Immunology/Rheumatology of Stanford University School of Medicine. "More often, many prefer to
hide their degree of pain and discomfort from family and friends to avoid hindering the festive celebrations
which can lead to a feeling of isolation."
Daily pain is an issue - 63% of respondents live with pain - this can be exacerbated by the dexterity needed
for even the simplest of Christmas tasks which is illuminated by the survey with 28% of moderate to severe RA
respondents always experiencing pain, find it more difficult or have stopped writing cards altogether.
Shopping for gifts, preparing food, writing cards and wrapping presents are the four festive activities that
women living with RA find most difficult to do. Among these women, 28% experience pain and difficulty when
shopping for gifts, or have stopped altogether, and more than a quarter report it painful to prepare festive food.
"Nearly two thirds of women living with RA experience pain every day which can be more intense during
busy times of the year, such as Christmas and this can seriously impact a patient's enjoyment of the festive
season. Almost half of patients included in the survey are not talking to their physician about pain control
options which is imperative to enable them to take control of their pain, especially around Christmas when pain
can be a considerable issue. This will ensure that more patients achieve a pain free 'good day' and ultimately
improve their quality of life." Said Professor Paul Emery, Professor of Rheumatology, University of Leeds.
In light of these survey findings UCB has developed the "12 Tips of Christmas" with tips on how to manage
and enjoy the hectic holiday season. For further information and the "12 Tips of Christmas" please email
12Tips@fleishman.com for the full guide that details ways to embrace and enjoy the countdown to Christmas.
About the 'Good Days' Survey
The 'Good Days' Survey was conducted in August 2009 as part of a global initiative assessing the lifestyles
of women with rheumatoid arthritis in seven major industrialized countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy,
Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Objectives of the Survey included identification of the
physical and emotional impact of RA on day-to-day lives of women living with the disease. A component of the
Survey examined the affects of the disease on people living with RA during the festive season.
Nearly 2,000 women aged between 25-65 years living with RA for six months or more were interviewed
online about the impact of the disease on their lives.
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is estimated that 5 million people suffer from RA globally. Prevalence
is not split evenly between genders, since women are three times more likely
to be affected than men. Although RA can affect people of all ages, the onset
of the disease usually occurs between 35-55 years of age.
RA symptoms often lead to restricted mobility and permanent damage and disfigurement of the joints and
bones. People living with RA are at a higher risk of developing other conditions, including heart disease,
stroke, depression, infections, lung problems and osteoporosis.
About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (http://www.ucb.com) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research,
development and commercialization of innovative medicines with a focus on the fields of central nervous
system and immunology disorders. Employing approximately 10,000 people in over 40 countries, UCB
generated revenue of EUR 3.6 billion in 2008. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).
SOURCE: UCB
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