Is the patient-perceived impact of psoriatic arthritis a global concept? An international study in 13 Arab countries (TACTIC study).

The Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID-12) questionnaire, a recommended measure of patient-reported impact for psoriatic arthritis (PsA), was initially developed in Europe and may lack universal validity. Recognizing the need for a culturally appropriate tool for Arab patients, this study aimed to TranslAte, CulTurally adapt, and validate the PsAID in ArabIC (TACTIC). The PsAID-12 was translated into Arabic using a rigorous process of double translation, back-translation, and cognitive debriefing. The Arabic version was then validated through a study conducted in 13 Arab countries in 2022. Participants were consecutive literate adult patients diagnosed with PsA and fulfilling the CASPAR criteria. Collected data included PsAID-12, disease activity, and legacy patient-reported outcomes. Psychometric properties, such as internal consistency, construct validity, and test-retest reliability, were examined. Factors associated with high PsAID-12 total scores (> 4) were explored using multivariable binary logistic regression. A culturally adapted Arabic PsAID-12 questionnaire was achieved with minor rephrasing. The validation study included 554 patients from 13 countries (mean age 45 years, 59% females), with a mean PsAID score of 3.86 (SD 2.33). The Arabic PsAID-12 demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95), and correlations with other measures ranged from 0.63 to 0.78. Test-retest reliability (N = 138 patients) was substantial (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC 0.90 [0.86-0.93]; Cohen's kappa 0.80). Factors associated with a high PsAID score were disability (odds ratio, OR 3.15 [2.03-4.89]), depression (OR 1.56 [1.35-1.81]), widespread pain (OR 1.31 [1.12-1.53]), and disease activity (OR 1.29 [1.13-1.47]). Pain and fatigue were identified as the most impactful PsAID-12 domains for PsA patients. The Arabic PsAID is a valid and reliable measure that reflects the priorities of patients with PsA. PsAID scores correlated with disease activity and legacy outcome measures, as expected, indicating PsAID is a consistent measure of PsA impact across cultures. These findings highlight the potential of the Arabic PsAID in improving the care provided to Arabic-speaking patients worldwide.

Burnout syndrome among rheumatologists and rheumatology fellows in Arab countries: an ArLAR multinational study.

BACKGROUND: Burnout is frequent among physicians and seems to be underestimated among rheumatologists. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of burnout in a sample of rheumatologists practising in the Arab countries and determine its associated factors. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR research group) using an anonymous electronic questionnaire set up on the Google Forms platform. All Arab rheumatologists and rheumatology fellows were invited to participate in the spring of 2022 via ArLAR social media accounts, societies' WhatsApp groups, and mass emails. Burnout was defined by at least one positive domain of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) (Emotional exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal accomplishment). The final score was correlated to socio-demographic factors using a multivariable binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The study included 445 rheumatologists and rheumatology fellows with an average age of 45.2 years (SD 11.5); 61.8% were men. The frequency of burnout among rheumatologists was 61.3% and was driven by low personal accomplishment scores (58.1%). Younger age (OR 1.92 (95%CI 1.20-3.08)), dissatisfaction with the specialty (OR 2.036 (95% CI 1.20-3.46)), and low income (OR 2.26 (95% CI 1.01-5.10)) were associated with burnout. CONCLUSION: The frequency of burnout in a sample of rheumatologists in Arab countries is very high, driven by low personal accomplishment scores and associated with a low income, dissatisfaction with the specialty and younger age. Some associated factors might be modifiable, thus reducing the burden of burnout on rheumatologists and on the healthcare system. Key Points • The frequency of burnout in a sample of Arab rheumatologists was 61.3% according to the MBI. • The score was mainly driven by low personal accomplishment scores (58.1%). • Younger age, dissatisfaction with the specialty, and low income were associated with burnout. • Acting upon modifiable risk factors would help reducing the burden of burnout on rheumatologists and on the healthcare system.

The rheumatology workforce in the Arab countries: current status, challenges, opportunities, and future needs from an ArLAR cross-sectional survey.

The Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR) Research Group (ARCH) conducted this study to investigate the number of current practicing rheumatologists in the Arab countries, to estimate the projected number of rheumatologists in 10 years, and to evaluate the current workload, practice profile, consultation waiting time, and geographical mobilities of these rheumatologists. This cross-sectional survey study was conducted in 16 Arab countries in two parts. The first survey was addressed nominally to national societies to estimate the current and projected workforce. The second was an anonymous e-survey elaborated by the study steering committee on the Google Forms platform and distributed to Arab rheumatologists using social media, WhatsApp, and mass e-mails to evaluate their practice. The mean number of rheumatologists in Arab countries was 0.84 per 100,000 inhabitants (mean age 47.5 years, 55% females), ranging from 0.06 (Sudan) to 1.86 (Tunisia). The number of rheumatologists is expected to increase by 50% in 2032. Nevertheless, a 20% increase in population associated with an increase in demand is also expected. Data from 446 rheumatologists (mean age 43.9 years, 60.5% females) revealed that 72% worked full-time, and 53% were employed in the public sector only. The average waiting time for a rheumatology consultation was 19.9 days. Of 394 rheumatologists, 19% obtained their rheumatology diplomas from non-Arab countries, and 47% of Gulf rheumatologists were non-citizen physicians. Considering local demographic disparities, healthcare system differences, and geographical mobilities, national authorities are advised to implement effective intervention plans to optimize the rheumatology workforce.