Background/Purpose:
Chronic rheumatic diseases lead to large deficits in physical, mental and social functioning. Only an early diagnosis, followed by the implementation of comprehensive and individualized therapeutic approach, enable to avoid the disease’s negative consequences. The person with rheumatic disease needs advice and support in order to face the problems of everyday life, as well as suffering associated with the disease. Nurse/educator should attempt to raise the level of resourcefulness and independence of the patient, in order to help him or her in dealing with the consequences of disease.
PURPOSE:
-to assess the learning needs of patients with RA.
-to determine the impact of socio-demographic variables on the level of knowledge about the disease.
-to assess the relationship between the deficit of knowledge about RA and the degree of pain, felt fatigue, morning stiffness of joints, the overall assessment of disease activity as well as the functional efficiency.
Methods:
The study was conducted in seven rheumatologic centers in Poland, on 277 patients with RA. The inclusion criterion was to consider a classification of RA according to ARA in 1987, and the patient’s age ≥ 18 years.
The method applied in the study was a diagnostic survey with a use of the questionnaire for evaluation of educational needs Pol-ENAT (0-4); HAQ disability index (0-3); analog scales (0-100) (overall disease activity of pain, fatigue, morning stiffness).
Results:
Most of the respondents were women N = 214 (77%). Mean age was 13.01 ± 53.28 years, and disease duration 10.63 ± 13.71 years. More than one third of respondents had a high school education (38%, N = 105). The average value of the severity of disease activity (0-100 mm) was 54.16 ± 21.33, 54.93 ± 23.17 pain and fatigue, 52.97 ± 21.98. HAQ index – 1.40 ± 0.66, with an upward trend with duration of disease (p≤ .05).
The analysis of the questionnaire ENAT (0-4) demonstrated that the study group was in relatively high demand for education about the disease (2.5), self-care (2.4), and methods of coping with pain (2.3). The greatest interest in education was declared by respondents from the youngest group, with disease duration of 10 years (p ≤ .05).
There was a positive correlation between the demand for knowledge about the movement and felt morning stiffness (Spearman R=0.204, p ≤ 0.05) and disease activity (R=0.127, p ≤ 0.05); self-care and the perceived morning stiffness (R=0.1823, p ≤ 0.05); assistance /support and the perceived morning stiffness (R =0.1194, p ≤ .05).
Conclusion:
Respondents, especially from the youngest group and with an early RA, declare lack of knowledge about the disease as well as a desire to improve it.
- Patients want to know more about the disease, particularly on the subject of inflammatory process, methods of self-care and methods of coping with pain.
- The level of functionality is significantly reduced with the duration of disease, while the demand for knowledge about the course of disease and treatment, as well as dealing with pain and emotions decreases.
- The intensity of morning joints stiffness and the increased disease activity is combined with the greater demand for knowledge concerning the physical activity, self-care and the possibilities of help /support.
Disclosure:
M. Sierakowska,
None;
M. Klepacka,
None;
S. Sierakowski,
None;
J. Sierakowska,
None;
P. Leszczynski,
None;
M. Majdan,
None;
M. Olesinska,
None;
W. Romanowski,
None;
M. Bykowska-Sochacka,
None;
S. Jeka,
None;
M. Nondosi,
None;
E. Krajewska-Kulak,
None.
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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/the-assessment-of-education-requirements-for-patients-with-rheumatoidarthritis-based-on-the-polish-version-of-the-educational-needs-assessmenttool-pol-enat/