The role of demographic and clinical variables in assessing the quality of life of outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated as outpatients. The specific question was: does the quality of life of RA patients depend on demographic variables and clinical variables?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 240 patients with RA recruited from outpatients. To assess quality of life, the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 was applied. Clinical tests: VAS, Morning Stiffness, Grip Strength, Richie Articular Index.

RESULTS

The analysis of life quality for the total group was carried out in the particular AIMS2 of the mean scores for arthritis pain - 7.37; walking and bending - 6.62; social activity - 5.52; level of tension - 5.17; satisfaction - 5.17; hand and finger function - 4.28; mood - 4.03; physical activity - 3.27; arm function - 3.16; household tasks - 2.67; self-care - 2.18; and support from family and friends - 1.75. The arthritis impact score was 6.01. The analysis of the correlation between clinical variables and individual AIMS2 subscales showed a statistically significant relationship between the VAS Pain, Grip Strength Measurement, Morning Stiffness and quality of life subscales ( < 0.01). VAS Pain, Morning Stiffness, and Grip Strength Measurement were the most important predictors among clinical variables of physical component, affect and symptoms ( < 0.001). Among demographic variables: age over 60 years and low education were the most important predictors of physical component ( < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The study results may be helpful for further health-related studies on quality of life among RA studies and in making therapeutic decisions concerning quality of life improvement.