Busby AD, Wason J, Pratt AG, et al. - In this study, the relationships between comorbidities, sociodemographic factors, and functional outcomes at five and 10 years were explored. Researchers recorded clinical variables (e.g. disease activity, rheumatoid nodules, erosions) and sociodemographic factors (e.g. ethnicity, deprivation) at baseline and yearly thereafter. The Rheumatic Diseases Comorbidity Index was applied to assess comorbidity. Using multiple imputations, binary logistic regression models were fitted. The study enrolled a total of 2,701 RA patients (mean age 56.1 years, 66.9% female). Comorbidities at baseline have not been observed to be correlated with worse RA functional outcomes in the long term. The findings revealed that sociodemographic factors, independently of disease measures, are correlated with worse functional outcomes in RA at five and 10 years, in models adjusting for comorbidity burden. According to the findings, tailoring management interventions according to not only clinical disease parameters but also patient sociodemographic factors may improve long-term outcomes including functional disability.