Affiliations: Department of Health Psychology, University of
Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA | Department of Occupational Therapy, University of
Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: John Mahalik, Ph.D. MPA, University
of Missouri-Columbia, Department of Health Psychology, A.P. Green Building, One
Hospital Drive, DC046.46, Columbia, MO 65212, USA. Tel.: +1 573 884 5189; Fax:
+1 573 884 3020; E-mail: mahalikjl@health.missouri.edu
Abstract: Arthritis has a significant effect on the US workforce. Significant
economic effects and racial disparities have been found in treatment and health
outcomes for persons with arthritis. This literature review focuses on the most
commonly studied forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid
arthritis (RA), summarizing literature on employability trends, risk factors,
and worksite health interventions for these conditions. Recommendations and
future implications for research are given in relation to goals from Healthy
People 2010. A brief description is provided of a worksite comparative study at
the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC),
seeking to improve long-term employability and functional outcomes for persons
with arthritis.
