Disease Knowledge and Functional Disability of a Cohort of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Tertiary Government Hospital in Manila, Philippines

Authors

  • Karen Joyce C. Cortez Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Charo E. Filarca Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manil
  • Evelyn Osio-Salido Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1653-2143
  • Grace G. Penserga Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manil
  • Bernadette Heizel M. Reyes Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9847-2895

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v56i2.3949

Keywords:

patient knowledge, health assessment questionnaire, functional status, rheumatoid arthritis, Philippines

Abstract

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and progressive disease resulting in disability and poor quality of life. Patients’ knowledge (PxK) of disease can contribute to better disease control, reduced disability, and improved quality of life.

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the disease knowledge and functional disability of a cohort of patients with RA.

Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study among patients with RA at the University of the Philippines -  Philippine General Hospital Arthritis Clinic. The subjects were recruited using convenience sampling over three months in 2019. We obtained demographic and disease characteristics, clinic attendance, patient knowledge, and functional status through chart review, a questionnaire, and a disability index. Descriptive statistics, 2-sample T-test, Pearson’s correlation, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression analysis were used for data analysis. Informed consent was obtained before participation in the study.

Results. Eighty percent (57/71) of recruited patients participated in the study. All were female, and the mean age was 51.6 years (±12.9). Most participants completed secondary education, were employed, had an average duration of RA of 8 (±6.8) years, had been consulting at the Arthritis Clinic for an average of 4.8 years (±3.8), and had moderate disease activity (49.1%). Most patients had American College of Rheumatology (ACR) class I or II functional status (50/57, 88%). The usual source of the patients' knowledge about RA was their physician. The mean knowledge score was 5.10 (±0.93) out of a perfect score of 9. Most patients were aware of their disease diagnosis and the non-communicable nature of RA. There was low awareness of the need for self-monitoring for disease flares or treatment adverse events and the extra-articular involvement in RA. The mean functional disability score was 6.65 ± 5.33, and the mean functional disability index (FDI) was 0.83 (±0.66). These correspond to mild functional disability (FD). There was no significant relationship between the total knowledge score and age, duration of disease, number of consultations in the past year, level of education, employment status, perceived level of disease knowledge, or the practice of asking their physician about illness. Perception of overall health status was associated with functional disability (p=0.001).

Conclusion. Most of the patients in our cohort of RA patients had a mild functional disability and low knowledge scores. The study identified the gaps in our patients’ knowledge of disease and its management. A re-evaluation of existing educational and treatment strategies will be beneficial to enhance disease knowledge and improve health outcomes.

Author Biographies

  • Karen Joyce C. Cortez, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

    Fellow, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

  • Charo E. Filarca, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manil

    Fellow, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

  • Evelyn Osio-Salido, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manil

    Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine-Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

  • Bernadette Heizel M. Reyes, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manil

    Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine-Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines, Manila

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Published

2022-02-18

How to Cite

1.
Disease Knowledge and Functional Disability of a Cohort of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Tertiary Government Hospital in Manila, Philippines. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2022 Feb. 18 [cited 2025 Apr. 4];56(2). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/3949

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