Evaluation of Quality of Life and Self-Care in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Referring to Ayatollah Golpayegani Hospital in Qom City, 2016, (Iran)

Background and Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease, which causes joint destruction and disability. People with this disease are at risk of reduction of quality of life. A key factor in successful management of rheumatoid arthritis is an appropriate self-care behavior. The aim of the present study was to evaluate self-care behavior and life expectancy in patient with rheumatoid arthritis in Qom city.   Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 Patient with rheumatoid arthritis referred to rheumatology clinic in Qom city. Information was collected using 20-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-20) and self-care behaviors questionnaires, and the questionnaires were completed through interviews. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, independent one-way ANOVA, Duncan’s post hoc test, and Pearson correlation coefficient at a confidence level of 95%.   Results: The mean age of the participants was 48.3±10.3 and 77% of them were female and 23% were male. The results of correlation between self-care and quality of life showed a significant negative correlation with the age of the patients, and there was a significant positive correlation between self-care and quality of life. Also, increase in the level of self-care was associated with higher quality of life in the patients (p<0.001, r=0.583).   Conclusion: According to the findings of this research, the variables of self-care behaviors are indirectly affect the quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Better identification of the predictive factors of quality of life of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis by health workers is essential for effective health interventions in order to improve the quality of life of these patients.