Matylda Sierakowska1, Małgorzata Klepacka2, Stanisław Józef Sierakowski3, Katarzyna Pawlak-Buś4, Piotr Leszczyński5, Maria Majdan6, Marzena Olesińska7, Wojciech Romanowski8, Małgorzata Bykowska-Sochacka9, Sławomir Jeka10, Justyna Anna Sierakowska11, Mwidimi Ndosi12, Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak1. 1. Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland. 2. Department of Nephrology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland. 3. Department of Rheumatology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland. 4. Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Medical University in Poznań, Poland. 5. Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Medical University in Poznań and J. Strus Municipal Hospital in Poznań, Poland. 6. Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Medical University in Lublin, Poland. 7. Department of Connective Tissue Disease, Institute of Rheumatology in Warsaw, Poland. 8. Poznań Centre of Rheumatology in Śrem, Poland. 9. Dr.Jadwiga Titz-Kosko Regional Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Sopot, Poland. 10. Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz, Poland. 11. Department of Foreign Languages, Medical University, Bialystok, Poland. 12. Academic & Clinical Unit for Musculoskeletal Nursing, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) need advice in order to face the problems of everyday life, as well as suffering associated with the disease. Health professionals should attempt to raise the level of resourcefulness and independence of the patient. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the deficit of knowledge about RA and the degree of pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, assessment of disease activity as well as functional efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted on 277 patients with RA in 7 rheumatologic centres in Poland. The method applied was the questionnaire Pol-ENAT (0-156); HAQ DI (0-3); analog scales (0-100). RESULTS: Mean (SD) age was 53.28 (13.01) and disease duration 13.70 (10.63) years. The mean (SD) value was 54.93 (23.17) for pain, 52.97 (21.98) for fatigue, 48.28 (24.76) for morning stiffness (0-100 mm). HAQ DI was 1.40 (0.66), with an upward trend with duration of disease (p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between the demand for knowledge about the movement (r=0.194; p=0.001), self-care (r=0.134; p=0.026), assistance/support(r =0.163; p=0.006) and morning stiffness experienced. There was a negative correlation between the need for knowledge concerning managing pain, feelings and the arthritis process and daily ability assessed with HAQ DI. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that health education should be targeted at young patients with early RA. In the case of the severity of morning joints stiffness, there is a need to increase knowledge about the methods of mobility aids, self-care and the possibility of obtaining support.
INTRODUCTION:Patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) need advice in order to face the problems of everyday life, as well as suffering associated with the disease. Health professionals should attempt to raise the level of resourcefulness and independence of the patient. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the deficit of knowledge about RA and the degree of pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, assessment of disease activity as well as functional efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted on 277 patients with RA in 7 rheumatologic centres in Poland. The method applied was the questionnaire Pol-ENAT (0-156); HAQ DI (0-3); analog scales (0-100). RESULTS: Mean (SD) age was 53.28 (13.01) and disease duration 13.70 (10.63) years. The mean (SD) value was 54.93 (23.17) for pain, 52.97 (21.98) for fatigue, 48.28 (24.76) for morning stiffness (0-100 mm). HAQ DI was 1.40 (0.66), with an upward trend with duration of disease (p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between the demand for knowledge about the movement (r=0.194; p=0.001), self-care (r=0.134; p=0.026), assistance/support(r =0.163; p=0.006) and morning stiffness experienced. There was a negative correlation between the need for knowledge concerning managing pain, feelings and the arthritis process and daily ability assessed with HAQ DI. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that health education should be targeted at young patients with early RA. In the case of the severity of morning joints stiffness, there is a need to increase knowledge about the methods of mobility aids, self-care and the possibility of obtaining support.