OBJECTIVES: To measure productivity loss of RA patients in Poland compared to results of selected studies. METHODS: In this study consecutive patients in productive age (18-60 for women and 18-65 for men) were recruited at regionally stratified sample of rheumatology outpatient centers around the country and were offered a questionnaire including Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) instrument (a standardized tool for loss of work productivity estimation). The survey was complemented by disease activity assessment questionnaire filled out by specialists who were also responsible for patients recruitment during the routine visits. Employed patients were estimating i.a. the absenteeism and presenteeism rates (% of work time missed due to health and % of impairment while working). Subsequently, systematic review of Medline database was conducted. Two studies using WPAI questionnaire were found (Bansbrack 2012, Zhang 2010). RESULTS: In the study, mean age of RA patients was 49 (mean age at RA onset was about 39), mean DAS28 result 3,77 (moderate disease). 40% of the group had first symptoms for less than 5 years (mean duration since symptoms onset was 90 months). Meanwhile, in Bansbrack 2012 mean age at RA onset was 48 and mean duration since onset of symptoms was 48,6 months. Mean age of patients described in Zhang 2010 was 51, 45,8% had disease duration of less than 5 years. The participants had a low function disability level and moderate arthritis. In the study absenteeism rate was 18%, while presenteeism rate reached 27%. The corresponding values in Bansbrack 2012 were 8,7% and 24%. In Zhang 2010 only presenteeism rate was analyzed and equaled 17,8%. CONCLUSIONS: RA reduces work ability and lower work productivity in people in productive age both in Poland and in other countries. Differences in patients characteristics are probably the cause of results variation between studies.