[Health-related quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Which factors are of significance?].
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease causing joint pain, loss of function and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL in RA patients is associated with several risk factors; in this paper the evidence relating to the most important risk factors is reviewed. Modern medical therapy has improved HRQoL in RA patients, while demographic factors (female sex and older age), low socioeconomic status (in terms of education and position in the work force) and the presence of comorbid conditions appear to be associated with poorer HRQoL.
Linde
Louise
L
Hvidovre Hospital, Reumatologisk Afdeling. louiselinde@dadlnet.dk
Sørensen
Jan
J
Østergaard
Mikkel
M
Hetland
Merete Lund
ML
D000367:Age Factors; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires