Double Trouble! Do Workplace Supports Mitigate Lost Productivity for Young Workers with Both Severe Rheumatic Diseases and Depressive Symptoms?

Background: The objectives of this longitudinal study were to understand how comorbid rheumatic disease and depression symptoms were associated with at-work productivity among young adults, and to examine whether workplace support modified this association.

Methods: Seventy-six Canadian young adults who were employed and living with a rheumatic disease were surveyed three times over 27 months. Morbidity was defined by whether participants reported severe rheumatic disease symptoms and/or depressive symptoms.