The International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis
The International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS) is a survey of people diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA); it assesses the impact and burden of axSpA from a patient’s perspective.
5557 people from 27 countries around the world completed the IMAS survey between 2017 and 2022.1 You can explore these results in the ‘axSpA in numbers’ page.
IMAS brings together patients, patient organisations, clinicians, and researchers from across the globe to address the questions that matter the most to patients.
By generating and disseminating evidence about how people with axSpA experience their disease physically, psychologically and socially, IMAS aims to raise the voice of the axSpA community.
ASIF has published a report on the IMAS findings. Our report, ‘The burden of axial spondyloarthritis: a global patient perspective’ reveals the reality of living with axSpA and demonstrates the numerous ways that people are impacted by the disease.
IMAS Vision
- Educate, support and empower people living with axSpA by showing them, through the data generated, that they are not alone in their disease.
- Ensure that the axSpA patient perspective is integrated into health policy and clinical decision-making to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people with axSpA around the world.
IMAS Values
- Ensure that the quality of life and needs of people living with axSpA are central to everything that we do.
- Strive to gain a holistic understanding of the experiences of patients through various disciplines and multiple stakeholders united by a common interest.
- Use the evidence-based information and scientific rigour to guide any type of action.
- Support patient organisations in their work by using the IMAS data to provide evidence-based information and tools.
Who is involved?1-3
