biostudies-literatureUnknown9(1)Furusawa H<h4>Background</h4>Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) often affects individuals during their most productive working years. However, few studies have investigated factors influencing employment in Japanese AS patients. This study investigates the employment status and related factors in Japanese patients with ankylosing spondylitis.<h4>Methods</h4>This cross-sectional study included 81 Japanese patients with ankylosing spondylitis who met the modified New York criteria. Patient characteristics, disease activity and employment data were collected. Work productivity was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Employment was defined as working 20 or more hours per week. Statistical tests included Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared/Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05BMC rheumatology141https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12648873biostudies-literatureFactors affecting employment in Japanese patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).PMC12648873Furusawa HHayashi EKobayashi STamura NTada KYamaji KInoue HfalseFactors affecting employment in Japanese patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).<h4>Background</h4>Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) often affects individuals during their most productive working years. However, few studies have investigated factors influencing employment in Japanese AS patients. This study investigates the employment status and related factors in Japanese patients with ankylosing spondylitis.<h4>Methods</h4>This cross-sectional study included 81 Japanese patients with ankylosing spondylitis who met the modified New York criteria. Patient characteristics, disease activity and employment data were collected. Work productivity was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Employment was defined as working 20 or more hours per week. Statistical tests included Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared/Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.052025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Nov2026-06-05T18:49:59.395Z2026-05-20T03:13:49.149ZS-EPMC126488734129186910.1186/s41927-025-00586-9