The quality of life in a male population suffering from arthritis.

Previous studies measuring the impact of arthritis on the quality of life have used samples largely consisting of females. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship of selected physical, psychological, and social variables on the perception of the quality of life in a group of males suffering from arthritis. The hypothesis that a negative attitude toward illness is negatively related to the perception of good quality of life was supported. Perception of internal control over health was positively related to a perception of good quality of life. Knowing which factors contribute the most to a person's perception of the quality of life will assist health professionals in planning care to meet the individual's physical and psychosocial needs, and will therefore help to improve the quality of life.