Knowledge and selected variables as determinants of the quality of life and general health of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an incurable disease resulting in progressive disability, which is associated with the loss of productivity and the inability to earn money, which might lead to a financial burden on the patient's family. Undoubtedly, the clinical picture of the disease and its consequences lead to the reduction of the quality of life.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of selected factors on the subjective assessment of the quality of life and general health of patients with RA.

Material And Methods: The study was conducted among 270 patients with RA treated at the Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. The quality of life and general health were assessed with the use of the SF-36 and the GHQ-30 questionnaires.

Results: In the study group, a statistically significant correlation between the results of the SF-36 and the GHQ-30 questionnaires was observed. It has been shown that the level of role limitations due to physical health problems (RP) is mostly affected by interpersonal relationships based on GHQ-30 questionnaire (p = 0.002), general health (GHQ-30) (p = 0.001) and subjective health condition (SF-36) (p < 0.001). In contrast, general health (GHQ-30) is positively affected by education (p = 0.003) and professional activity (p = 0.001), and negatively affected by a positive family history of RA (p = 0.002), frequent hospitalization (p = 0.008) and poor subjective health condition (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: People with poor subjective health condition are characterized by more limited activity due to physical health and lower general health condition. General health (GHQ-30) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is influenced by education, place of residence, professional work, family history of RA and subjective health status.