A Systematic Review On Impact Of Patient Counselling In Improving Quality Of Life Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients In a Tertiary Care Hospital

VIVEK S MENON , Vineetha S , T.Tamil Selvan

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis; Health-related quality of life (HRQoL); Disease activity; Work ability; Functional status; Patient-centered care; Chronic disease; Global health disparities; Psychosocial impact; Rheumatology

Abstract Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-lasting inflammatory condition that profoundly affects the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for those who suffer from it. Given the disease's impact on physical, emotional, and social aspects of well-being, understanding the factors influencing HRQoL and the global diversity in these factors is essential for enhancing patient care (1, 4, 6, 10, 14). Objective: The goal of this systematic review is to assess the existing literature regarding HRQoL in individuals with RA, focusing on associated factors and regional disparities to develop more effective, patient-focused strategies (1, 5, 7, 13, 19). Methods: A thorough examination of 13 studies conducted in various countries--including Morocco, Egypt, Nepal, China, India, Poland, Indonesia, among others--was carried out (1-8, 10, 13, 14, 19). These studies employed cross-sectional, observational, and preliminary designs to evaluate HRQoL using validated instruments (e.g., SF-36, WHOQOL-BREF, HAQ-DI) and explored connections with disease activity, functional status, sociodemographic factors, and treatment approaches (4, 6, 7, 14, 15). Results: Most studies indicated a notable decline in HRQoL among RA patients (1, 4, 5, 6, 10). Influential factors included disease duration and activity (4, 6, 11), gender (13), employment status (2, 3), healthcare access (5, 8, 18), and mental health (12). Women, patients with elevated disease activity, and those in settings with limited resources experienced a more pronounced impact (5, 6, 7, 13). Investigations into interventions demonstrated favorable effects of targeted treatments and support for daily living on HRQoL outcomes (7, 8, 12). Conclusion: HRQoL for patients with RA is consistently observed to be lower, with significant evidence underlining the role of both clinical and social determinants (1, 4, 6, 13, 14). It is vital to address these factors through integrated and culturally aware interventions to enhance patient outcomes (10, 12, 18, 20). There is a need for more longitudinal and intervention-oriented studies to inform global best practices (14, 16).

Volume 13 Issue 9, September-2025

Pages : d250-d255