The assessment of knowledge level about their disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate, the level of knowledge about the disease of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relationship with the disease activity. Methods: A total of 50 patients with RA, diagnosed according to 2010 ACR/EULAR Rheumatoid Arthritis classification criteria, included in this study. Demographic features of patients were recorded. Turkish version of Patient Knowledge Questionnaire (PKQ) used to evaluate the level of knowledge about the disease of patients with RA. Daily activity score (DAS-28), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the activity of the disease. Results: The mean age of patients was 57.2±12.2 (36 females and 14 males). The mean of disease duration was 6.2±5.8 years. The mean was 3.2 (maximum value 9) for etiology, symptom and laboratory components, the mean of medication component: 2.9 (maximum value 7), the mean of exercise component: 2.4 (maximum value 7), the mean of protection of joints and energy component: 2.4 (maximum value 7) of PKQ. The total mean point was 10.9 (maximum value 30). There was no correlation between PKQ points and HAQ, DAS-28 and VAS parameters but there was a positive correlation between disease duration and PKQ points. Conclusion: The results of the study show no relationship between level of knowledge about the disease and disease activity and also functional status. On the other hand the level of knowledge about disease of patients with RA is very low. The results show the need for education programs and informative activities about RA.