Factors Affecting Self-Management of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic, autoimmune and inflammatory disease that is associated with progressive joint degeneration, limitation of physical activity and disability. Aim: the study aimed to assess factors affecting self-management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized. Setting: This study was carried out at the National Medical Institute of Damanhur-affiliated to the General Organization for teaching hospitals at the Medical clinics in the out-patient department. Study subjects: A purposive sample of 100 adult patients of both genders with rheumatoid arthritis. Data tools: 1) Patient's interviewing questionnaire. 2) Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Scale. 3) Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Efficacy scale. 4) Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Management practices Questionnaire. Results: More than half of the studied patients had unsatisfactory level of knowledge about RA. Also, one third of them had low disease activity. Moreover, more than half and half of them had moderate level of total self-efficacy and total self-management, respectively. Conclusion: More than half of the studied patients had unsatisfactory level of knowledge about rheumatoid arthritis. Also, one third of them had low level of disease activity. Also, more than half of them had moderate level of self-efficacy and half of them had moderate level of total self-management. There was highly statistically positive correlation between both total knowledge and self efficacy with self-management while, there was highly negative correlation between disease activity and self-management. Recommendation: Self-management educational program should become an integrated part of the total management of RA patients.