THE IMPACT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ON HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE: A LITERATURE REVIEW OF DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING WORLD

Madeeha Malik*, Azhar Hussain, Ayisha Hashmi, Faiqa Zainab Awan

Society of Pharmacy Practice, Hamdard Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hamdard University Islamabad Campus, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been reported to have a lower self-reported overall health status and higher bodily pain, contributing towards to reduced HRQoL. Reduced health related quality of life in RA patients is related with increased utilizing of healthcare resources and also with increased level of depression. The aim of this study is to summarize research findings from developed and developing countries as well as from Pakistan regarding impact of rheumatoid arthritis on health related quality of life. A total of 60 studies were reviewed regarding rheumatoid arthritis and health related quality of life. The review concluded that there is a need to improve HRQoL among rheumatoid arthritis patients to decrease the rates of treatment failure and improve treatment response. Patient care should be focused on behavioural and life style modification along with symptomatic relief by pharmacological treatment provided to such patients at both acute and chronic phase of disease and treatment to prevent treatment defaults.

Keywords:

Rheumatoid arthritis, quality of life, SF-36, medication therapy