Survey of the use and effect of assistive devices in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: a two-year followup of women and men.
OBJECTIVE
To identify activity limitation in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to detect patients needing assistive devices. To evaluate the effects of assistive devices.


METHODS
A multicenter cohort of 284 early RA patients was examined using the Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire 12 and 24 months after diagnosis.


RESULTS
The extent of activity limitation was stable over time for both women and men. Most limitations concerned eating and drinking. Women reported more difficulties than did men. The use of assistive devices was related to subgroups with severe disease and more disability. Use of assistive devices reduced difficulties significantly. For both women and men, assistive devices were mostly used in activities related to eating and drinking.


CONCLUSIONS
Already 1 year after diagnosis, RA patients reported activity limitation that remained stable over time. Use of assistive devices was related to more severe disease and more pronounced disability. Use of devices reduced difficulties significantly.
Thyberg
Ingrid
I
Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital, Linköping University, Sweden. ingrid.thybergg@lio.se
Hass
Ursula A M
UA
Nordenskiöld
Ulla
U
Skogh
Thomas
T
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*