Patients in UAE live with Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) symptoms for more than a year before getting diagnosed: Reveals RA- Join the Fight Survey

Due to low awareness about the symptoms and ignorance about the complications that it can lead to, patients do not seek accurate diagnosis till it is very late.

• RA-Join the Fight Survey was conducted by AbbVie in association with Emirates Arthritis Foundation in UAE to learn about patients' experiences of living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
• 96% of the patients report that Rheumatoid Arthritis has negatively affected at least some aspect(s) of their life
• 65% of the RA patients in UAE and 74% globally were found to be women
• To address this situation and help people identify the early symptoms, AbbVie is joining hands with Emirates Arthritis Foundation to organize Freedom from Arthritis Day on the occasion of World Arthritis Day- 12th October at Ritz Carlton, DIFC

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 9, 2013: Most rheumatoid arthritis patients in UAE suffer from the symptoms for more than a year before they get accurate diagnosis, and by this time the disease mostly progresses to its mature stages. This is due to low understanding and lack of information amongst patients about the complications that delayed treatment can lead to, like swelling of joints, damage of joint structure, bone damage and irreversible disfiguration. Delay can also be caused by the stigma associated with the disease which often deters patients from revealing or accepting their own condition. This knowledge gap has been brought to the forefront by RA- Join the Fight Survey which was conducted in UAE by AbbVie in association with Emirates Arthritis Foundation.

Over 3 in 5 patients in UAE say that they depend on their rheumatologists as a primary source of information about managing their RA. Only 1 in 5 patients seek information from their family or friends with even lesser patients using print materials or other patients with RA as a primary source of information about managing their condition. None of the patients interviewed in the UAE use nurses, their employers, pharmacists or support groups as their primary source of information. Once diagnosed, nearly 7 in 10 patients believe RA is as serious as other conditions.

“Early diagnosis is important for patients to be able to manage the condition better and delay progression. We notice very often that the disease tends to affect the patients not only physically but also their inter-personal relationships, careers and social lives. To help them in these situations we encourage patients to understand their condition thoroughly and work towards managing it to lead a normal life. Discussing their condition openly with their doctors and loved ones will help them create a conducive environment which is critical for managing RA. Through Freedom from Arthritis Day we aim to create a platform which will encourage patients to come to terms with their condition and fight it to live a happy life,” says Dr. Humeira Badsha- Consulting Rheumatologist and Founding Member of Emirates Arthritis Foundation.

“The UAE chapter of RA- Join the fight is a part of our global initiative to encourage patients to start the conversation on Rheumatoid Arthritis and collaborate with their doctor to develop their disease management plan. Our objective in this region was to learn more about patients' experience of living with RA and uncover the gaps in their knowledge, support requirement and disease management which can be appropriately addressed,” says Bassel Amer- Regional General Manager at AbbVie Gulf and Egypt.

The Freedom from Arthritis Day would also see the launch of Button-Up for Rheumatoid Arthritis campaign by AbbVie which would highlight how the disease makes even a simple task like closing a button a complication for patients. The objective is to encourage people to detect the early symptoms and seek help from rheumatologists at an early stage so that further joint damage can be avoided.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks healthy joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and over time, loss of function in the joints, as well as overall fatigue and weakness. Affecting people mostly between the ages of 25-55 years, the disease can often lead to a reduced ability to perform everyday tasks and daily activities. Typically, RA affects women more than men, with three times as many women suffering from the disease.

About AbbVie:

AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott. AbbVie combines the focus and passion of a leading-edge biotech with the expertise and structure of a long-established pharmaceutical leader. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and serious diseases. AbbVie aims to help patients live healthier lives and collaborate on sustainable healthcare solutions. In 2013, AbbVie will employ approximately 28,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 170 countries. For further information on the company and its people, portfolio and commitments, please visit www.abbvie.com. Follow @AbbVienews on Twitter or check out careers on our Facebook page.

About Emirates Arthritis Foundation:

The Emirates Arthritis foundation is a non-profit organization that strives to raise awareness by educating the public, patients and health professionals on all aspects of arthritis. Launched under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2005, the organization was the brain child of Dr Humeira Badsha and Suzanne Al Houby to give less fortunate patients in the UAE an access to better healthcare. The organization has a dedicated team, who develop events for people who suffer with arthritis, their families and supporters and the general public of UAE.  The purpose of these events is to raise awareness about arthritis and help educate those who suffer from the condition to learn about their disease and learn how to take control of their lives.