ISSN : 2663-2187

Factors Influencing Knowledge, Practices, and Self-Care Management Behaviors of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Main Article Content

Mennatallah Helmy Mossad Seyam, El Saida Gamal Boghdady, Amal Bakr Abo El-Ata, Naglaa El Sayed Mahdy
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.15.2024.3568-3597

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that significantly affects various aspects of health related quality of life, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. This study aims to assess the factors influencing the knowledge, practices, and self-care management behaviors of RA patients. Methods: This study employed a descriptive research design and was conducted at the rheumatology outpatient clinics in Al Salam Hospital and El Shifaa Medical Complex, both affiliated with the Egypt Health Care Authority in Port Said Governorate, Egypt. A purposive sample of 73 RA patients who visited these clinics participated in the study. Data were collected using three tools: a structured interview questionnaire to assess knowledge about RA and its self-care management, a self-reported checklist of patients' practices, and a scale to measure self-care management behaviors. Results: The study revealed a notable relation between the knowledge of RA patients and factors such as gender, education, occupation, disease duration, and smoking. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between the practices of RA patients and their education level and prescribed medications (Imuran and biological therapy). The research also uncovered a substantial association between the self-care management behaviors of RA patients and their adherence to prescribed medications and the presence of other chronic diseases. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between the knowledge, practices, and self-care management behavior of RA patients. Conclusion: The study found that factors such as gender, education, occupation, disease duration, and smoking can influence RA patients' knowledge about their condition. Additionally, education level and prescribed medications can impact RA patients' practices. Furthermore, factors such as adherence to prescribed medications and the presence of other chronic diseases can affect RA patients' behaviors. The study also revealed a significant positive correlation between knowledge, practices, and self-care management behaviors among RA patients. Given these findings, the study suggests the implementation of educational programs to support RA patients.

Article Details