OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to investigate the quality of life of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, of University General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete

METHODS: A cross-sectional non-interventional study was conducted from March to April 2024. The Greek version of the General Health Survey questionnaire SF-36 was used along with other demographic factors. The sample consisted of 122 patients of the Rheumatology Clinic of the University General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, diagnosed with RA. The 8 dimensions assessed were physical functioning, physical role, physical pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional role and mental health.

RESULTS: The majority of the sample was female (86.1%), while the dominant age group was ≤66 years (36.9%). The results showed that the patients had a moderate quality of life in the following dimensions: physical functioning (M=42.83 , SD=21,93), physical pain (M=40.51 , SD=20,29), general health (M.=56.24 , SD=10,24 ), vitality (M=49.63 , SD=10,93) and mental health (M=50.23 , SD=11,20), while low quality of life in the following: physical role (M=30.33 , SD=38,06), social functioning (M=39.75 , SD=19,15), emotional role (M=35.52 , SD=41,93). The comparison of the dimensions of the questionnaire with the socio-demographic characteristics showed that gender, age, marital status, professional status, educational level, place of residence as well as the age of diagnosis influence the quality of life of the patients. Patients diagnosed with the disease between the ages of 18-25 reported a lower quality of life in the dimensions of vitality and mental health compared to the other individuals (p=0.001). The remaining dimensions of the SF-36 did not show a statistically significant difference in comparison to the age of diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS: The need to define a holistic treatment protocol for people with RA with the aim of relieving pain, improving functionality and enhancing their social dimension is highlighted.