Factors Affecting Self-Management of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

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 and Institutes at the Medical clinics in the out- patient department. Study subjects: A purposive sample of 100 adult patients of both genders with rheumatoid arthritis. Tools:  Patient interviewing questionnaire, Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Scale, Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Efficacy and Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Management practices Questionnaire. Results: About 58% of the studied patients had unsatisfactory level of knowledge about the self-management of RA. Also, 32% of them had low disease activity. Moreover, 52% of them had moderate level of self-efficacy and 50% of them had moderate level of total self-management. 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. Moreover, more than half of the studied patients had moderate level of self-efficacy and half of them had moderate level of total self-management.  There was highly significant positive correlation between total knowledge of the studied patients and self-efficacy with self- management. While, there was highly significant negative correlation between total disease activity of the studied patients and self- management. Recommendation: Self-management educational program should become an integrated part of the total management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.