<p>Quality of life in Ecuadorian patients with established rheumatoid arthritis</p>

• DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s216975
• Publication Date: 2019-09-02T20:04:45Z
• Authors: Maria Intriago; Genessis Maldonado; Jenny Cardenas; Carlos Rios
• Keywords: Depression; Xerophthalmia; Demographics

To evaluate quality of life in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and identify the factors that negatively affect it.This was a cross-sectional study RA from rheumatology center Ecuador. The Quality Life (RAQoL) questionnaire used to assess QoL Health Assessment Questionnaire - disability index (HAQ-DI) for functional capacity. In addition, demographics, clinical characteristics, markers disease activity were included. Data analyzed using SPSS 22.Of 186 patients, 89.8% women, mean age 51 years, 86.6% had symmetrical polyarticular involvement, 40.3% erosions, 46.8% morning stiffness, xerophthalmia, 39.2% fatigue. Depression most frequent comorbidity 42.5%. HAQ-DI score 0.8, 26.9% disability. RAQoL 7.2. Xerophthalmia, xerostomia, fatigue, depression related higher scores (p<0.05). more comorbidities Likewise, 15.6 versus 4.1 without There positive correlations between ESR, CRP, painful-joint count, swollen-joint VAS pain, physician assessment (p<0.05).QoL is severely affected RA. Depression, high activity, have negative effect on extraarticular manifestations show worse QoL.