title: [Survey of quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients admitted to rehabilitation centres in Hungary].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are limited data about the quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients admitted to rehabilitation centres in Hungary.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the authors was to assess demographic data, social status, health related quality of life, and needs for assistance and disease-related information of 239 rheumatoid arthritis patients (169 women and 7 men) admitted to four rehabilitation centres in Hungary.
  
  
  METHODS
  For the assessment of demographic, social and other data the authors developed questionnaires. The health related quality of life was evaluated using the validated Short Form 36 questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The authors found that rheumatoid arthritis patients require in-patient rehabilitation relatively early in their disease course. 80.4% of the patients were over 50 years of age, and their social status was low as compared to the average of the Hungarian population. The health related quality of life of patients was significantly lower than that of the average population, but it was similar to the quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and low back pain. Among domains of the quality of life, the scores for physical function and pain were the lowest. The most common accompanying diseases included hypertension and osteoporosis. In case of knee and hip surgeries, postoperative rehabilitation was performed in due time. Patients were not satisfied with disease-related information and education given by health care providers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is poor quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients admitted to rehabilitation centres in Hungary. More efforts should be done to provide disease-related information and education for patients.
authors: Országos Reumatológiai és Fizioterápiás Intézet Budapest Frankel Leó út 25-28. 1023.
authors: Julianna Rozália
authors: JR
authors: Sallai
authors: Aniella
authors: A
authors: Hunka
authors: Gábor
authors: G
authors: Héjj
authors: István
authors: I
authors: Ratkó
authors: Judit
authors: J
authors: Ortutay
authors: Ilona
authors: I
authors: Márkus
authors: Gábor
authors: G
authors: Ormos
authors: Andor
authors: A
authors: Ujfalussy
authors: László
authors: L
authors: Szekeres
authors: Antal
authors: A
authors: Insperger
authors: Tibor
authors: T
authors: Varjú
authors: Géza
authors: G
authors: Bálint
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010343:Patient Admission; D011788:Quality of Life; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires