Quality Of Life Of Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that has great effect on patients' quality of life. Aim of the study the study aims to assess quality of life of women with rheumatoid arthritis through:-Assessing knowledge of women about rheumatoid arthritis, Assessing physical ability, psycological, emotional, occupational function of women with rheumatoid arthritis. Research design: A descriptive research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted in physical medicine, rheumatology, and rehabilitation department at Makkah hospitals. Sample: A purposive sample that included 350 women that were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Data collection tools: One data collection tool was used to carry out the current study namely: Interviewing questionnaire sheet. The study tool consists of five parts; demographic data, women’s health history, women’s life style factors, woman's knowledge, and Physical quality of life. Results: Nearly three quarter of women with arthritis had correct and complete knowledge, more than two third of women with arthritis had unsatisfactory total knowledge, more than half of women with arthritis had poor total psychological state, nearly half of women with arthritis had poor total physical conditions, nearly half of women with arthritis had poor total quality of life. Conclusions: This study concluded that More than two third of women with arthritis had unsatisfactory total knowledge. More than half of women with arthritis had poor total psychological state. Less than half of women with arthritis had poor total physical and occupational conditions, and less than half of women with arthritis had poor total quality of life. There was highly statistically significant correlation between total knowledge with psychological, physical, social and total QOL. Recommendations: Provide educational programs to Increase women's knowledg[1]e regarding rheumatoid arthritis. Priority should be given to increase women's awareness regarding rheumatoid arthritis. Providing emotional and social support for women with rheumatoid arthritis.