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 (p < 0.01). VAS Pain, Morning Stiffness, and Grip Strength Measurement were the most important predictors among clinical variables of physical component, affect and symptoms (p < 0.001). Among demographic variables: age over 60 years and low education were the most important predictors of physical component (p < 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.