Patient journey, disease burden, and functional disability in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in South Africa: results of International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS).

Objective: To assess the unmet needs of South Africans with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) focusing on the patient journey, functional disability, and health-related quality of life.

Methods: One hundred forty-six South African axSpA patients completed the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS) online survey. Patient journey, functional disability, activities of daily living, and psychological stress were analyzed in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, disease activity, diagnostic delay, extra-musculoskeletal manifestations, and drug therapy.