scholarly journals Rheumatoid arthritis: profile of patients and burden of caregivers

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz Aiko Nagayoshi ◽  
Luciano Garcia Lourenção ◽  
Yasmine Natasha Syguedomi Kobayase ◽  
Pryscilla Mychelle da Silva Paula ◽  
Maria Cristina de Oliveira Santos Miyazaki
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Caregiver Training ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sociodemographic Variables ◽  
Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Assessment Questionnaire

Abstract Objective: to describe the profile of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and their caregivers receiving care at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic of a teaching hospital, and evaluate the burden of the caregivers. Method: a cross-sectional study was performed with 41 patients with RA and their caregivers using a questionnaire to identify sociodemographic variables; the Burden Interview Scale and the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire. Descriptive analyzes and comparison between clinical-demographic variables and the functional status of patients were performed and the correlation between sociodemographic variables and levels of burden of caregivers was tested. Results: there was a prevalence of female patients (87.8%); a mean age of 64.4 years (±12.9); a mean time for the diagnosis of RA of 13.5 years (±8.5), a prevalence of moderate disability (39.0%); lower disability in the Hygiene domain (1.6; ±0.5) and greater disability in the Other Activities of Daily Life (2.1; ±0.6), Reach (2.0; ±0.7) and Grip (2.0; ±0.7) domains. The caregivers were women (73.2%); aged between 17 and 81 years (mean: 46.8; ±15.1); with a high school education (41.4%). The degree of kinship was 56.2% offspring and 36.6% spouses. Eighteen (44.0%) caregivers suffered burden, nine (22.0%) of whom had mild burden and nine (22.0%) of whom suffered intense burden. There was a higher incidence of intense burden among spouses (12.2%) and mild burden among children (12.2%). Conclusion: the low occurrence of burden among caregivers may be related to the profile of the patients, who presented good levels of independence for self-care. The profile of caregivers and the prevalence of overburdened spouses and offspring shows the need and importance of the implementation of caregiver training by health service professionals to improve care for RA patients.

scholarly journals Tender and swollen joint counts are poorly associated with disability in chikungunya arthritis compared to rheumatoid arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh Watson ◽  
Ramão Luciano Nogueira-Hayd ◽  
Maony Rodrigues-Moreno ◽  
Felipe Naveca ◽  
Giulia Calusi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Health Assessment Questionnaire ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Tender Joint ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Assessment Questionnaire ◽  
Tender Joint Counts

AbstractChronic rheumatological manifestations similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are described after chikungunya virus infection. We aimed to compare the relevance of joint counts and symptoms to clinical outcomes in RA and chronic chikungunya disease. Forty patients with chronic chikungunya arthralgia and 40 patients with RA were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. The association of tenderness and swelling, clinically assessed in 28 joints, and patient evaluations of pain and musculoskeletal stiffness with modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and quality of life (QoL) assessments were investigated. Tender and swollen joint counts, pain and stiffness scores were all associated with the HAQ disability index in RA (all r > 0.55, p ≤ 0.0002), but only stiffness was significantly associated with disability in chikungunya (r = 0.38, p = 0.02). Joint counts, pain and stiffness were also associated with most QoL domains in RA patients. In contrast, in chikungunya disease, tender joint counts were associated only with one QoL domain and swollen joints for none, while pain and stiffness were associated with several domains. Our results confirm the relevance of joint counts in RA, but suggest that in chronic chikungunya disease, joint counts have more limited value. Stiffness and pain score may be more important to quantify chikungunya arthritis impact.

The Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain Characteristics, and Activity Levels of Caregivers During the Rehabilitation Process and the Consequences on Sleep Condition, Health Status, and Quality of Life

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayça Uran Şan ◽  
Ahmet Onur Çakiryilmaz ◽  
Sinem Uyar Köylü ◽  
Tuğba Atan ◽  
Serdar Kesikburun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Sleep Condition ◽  
Assessment Questionnaire

Abstract Objective Taking care of a patient can significantly impact both physical and psychological statuses of caregivers. This study aimed to examine musculoskeletal problems, health status, and quality of life of caregivers. This study is novel in determining musculoskeletal disorders, pain characteristics, activity levels, sleep condition, general and psychological health statuses, and quality of life of caregivers. Design A cross-sectional study Patients and Methods A total of 240 participants were enrolled in this prospective and cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary rehabilitation center (patients, n = 120; caregivers, n = 120). The demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded during the evaluation process. The Functional Ambulation Classification Scale (FAS) and Barthel Scale scores of the patients were determined. The pain level of the caregivers was evaluated according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)–short form was used to evaluate caregivers’ activity levels. The quality of life of caregivers was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Scales score (WHOQOL-BREF). The anxiety and depression status of the caregivers were interpreted using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, The health level of the caregivers was evaluated using the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Results A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and the pain duration of the caregiver (month) (P = 0.000, r = 0.766). the caregivers who provided longer-term care for their patients (hours per week) had higher VAS scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.944). A significant reverse correlation was found between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and IPAQ-Walking MET (metabolic equivalent) scores (minutes/week) (P = 0.000, r = –0.811). On the contrary, a positive significant association was detected between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and IPAQ-Vigorous MET scores (minutes/week) due to the caregiving activities of the patients such as lifting, positioning, and so forth. Also, a significant positive correlation was observed between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and Hospital Depression Scale scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.394), Hospital Anxiety Scale scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.548), and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.415). Conclusion Providing protective exercise programs, including walking activity, to caregivers and organizing education programs that include caregiving techniques can positively affect the quality of life of caregivers.

scholarly journals Fibromyalgia Is Common and Adversely Affects Pain and Fatigue Perception in North Indian Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 2443-2448 ◽  
Author(s):  
VARUN DHIR ◽  
ABLE LAWRENCE ◽  
AMITA AGGARWAL ◽  
RAMNATH MISRA
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The North ◽  
Indian Patients

Objectives.Fibromyalgia (FM) has been shown to be common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but studies on Asian patients are lacking. It remains unclear whether FM has an adverse influence on pain, fatigue, quality of life, and mood in these patients, and what its relationship is with disease activity. We studied prevalence and effects of FM in North Indian patients with RA and associations of RA with disease activity.Methods.This cross-sectional study included 200 RA patients and an equal number of controls. Presence of FM was defined using the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria. Pain and fatigue scores were assessed using a 10 cm visual analog scale. Quality of life and presence of depression/anxiety were determined using validated questionnaires. Disease activity and functional disability in RA patients was assessed using the Disease Activity Score 28-3 and Health Assessment Questionnaire, respectively.Results.FM was present in 15% of patients with RA compared to 2.5% of controls in the North Indian population. RA patients with FM did not differ from those without FM in terms of age, gender, current disease-modifying agents, or steroid use. RA patients with FM had higher disease activity and worse functional disability. The number of tender and swollen joints was higher in patients with FM, but correlated poorly with each other. RA patients with FM had higher pain and fatigue scores but were not different in the quality of life or mood.Conclusion.FM is more common in North Indian patients with RA compared to controls. It adversely affects the pain and fatigue felt by RA patients. Disease activity and FM influence each other.

A Comparison between the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Barthel Index in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

1995 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 253-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
A M O Bakheit ◽  
S R Harries ◽  
R G Hull
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Barthel Index ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Health Assessment Questionnaire ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire ◽  
Degree Of Disability ◽  
Significant Disagreement ◽  
Assessment Questionnaire

Disability was measured in 33 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and a self-administered version of the Barthel index (BI). There was no significant disagreement between the two methods, although the HAQ showed a tendency to overestimate the degree of disability slightly. The findings suggest that the B1 is as reliable as the HAQ in the assessment of functional independence with activities of daily living in patients with RA. it also has the advantage of evaluating bladder and bowel control which is often affected in these patients. Most therapists are more familiar with the B1 than with the HAQ. The B1 could, therefore, be recommended for measuring rehabilitation gains in patients with RA.

scholarly journals AB0318 CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WHO HAVE WITHDRAWN THE LAST BIOLOGICAL DRUG: REAL-LIFE RESULTS FROM A LOCAL REGISTRY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1458.1-1458
Author(s):  
J. Rosas ◽  
A. Pons ◽  
J. M. Senabre Gallego ◽  
G. Santos Soler ◽  
J. A. Bernal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Biological Drug ◽  
Time In Treatment ◽  
General Data ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Mean Time

Objectives:To assess the characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who have withdrawn the last biological drug (bDMARD), and to know the reasons for withdrawal of treatment.Methods:Retrospective and cross-sectional study on December 31, 2019, of patients with RA, treated with any of the bDMARDs, including JAK (JAKi) inhibitor drugs, commonly used, from 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2019. General data were collected from patients, and RA: time of evolution, presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA), type of bDMARD, time in bDMARD, and cause of withdrawal.Results:Of 252 patients, who have received some bDMARD, 81 (32%) patients had withdrawn on 12/31/2019. 62 (77%) patients were women, with a mean age at diagnosis of RA of 48 years (SD: 16.5 years) and 59.5 (15) years at the beginning of the first bDMARD (F1), with an average evolution of RA 10.2 (2.5) years. 68% and 74% of patients were positive for RF and ACPA, respectively.In 64 (79%) patients, bDMARD was withdrawn as second to fifth bDMARD received (F2 to F5): as F2: 37/81 (46%) patients, F3: 14 (18%), F4: 8 (10%) and as F5: (6%) patients.When comparing the last bDMARD received, before the suspension as F1 vs F2-F5, 95% vs. 61% of patients (p <0.0001), the drug was an anti-TNF (TNFi); Abatacept: 1 (1%) vs 9 (14%); Tocilizumab: 0% vs 8 (12%); Rituximab: 1 (1%) vs 5 (8%) and JAKi: 4 (5%) vs 3 (5%). The mean time in treatment with some bDMARD was 2.6 (SD: 3) years in the F1 group vs 1.7 (2) years in the F2-F5 group (p = 0.034). Among the F3-F5 patients, 9 (14%) patients had failed at 2 different previous therapeutic targets and 6 (9%) at 3 targets.No differences were detected between the F1 group vs F2-F5, regarding the causes of withdrawal of bDMARD: whether it had occurred due to 1) loss of efficacy (25/31% patients vs 19/30%); 2) adverse events (31/38% vs. 29/45%): infection: 18/81 (22%) patients, malignancy: 5 (6%), malaise/pain: 11 (14%), laboratory parameters alteration: 7 (9%), death: 5 (6%), others: 14 (17%); 3) change of address/loss of follow-up (20/25% vs. 7/11%) or by 4) voluntary abandonment of treatment by the patient (5/6% vs. 9/14%).Conclusion:1. 32% of patients with RA withdraw the bDMARD. 2. The group treated with TNFi withdraws it significantly higher among the F1 group. 3. Survival of bDMARD is significantly higher in group F1 compared to F2-F5. 4. No differences were detected between the groups regarding the cause of withdrawal of bDMARD. 25% -30% of patients withdraw it due to loss of follow-up or voluntary abandonment of bDMARD.Acknowledgments:The study was supported by a research grant from the Association for Research in Rheumatology of the Marina Baixa (AIRE-MB).Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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