Influence of socio-demographic factors on health-related quality of life in patients with inflammatory joint diseases.

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to describe differences in self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients with inflammatory joint disease (IJD) related to sociodemographic factors.

METHODS

The data were collected through an anonymous survey in a cross-sectional study of 261 patients with IJD- rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The patients' health status was assessed using a standard questionnaire [EQ-5D-3L].

RESULTS

The results showed no significant differences related to the type of JDC in any domain of patients' quality of life. Among the demographic factors, social status showed a significant association with all aspects of patients' HRQoL: mobility ratings (p = 0.002), self-care ratings (p < 0.001), usual activities (p < 0.001), pain or discomfort (p = 0.039), anxiety or depression (p = 0.001). Anxiety and depression were more common among women than men (p = 0.033). Men rated their health higher on the EQ-VAS scale (p = 0.036). Working patients reported better health than retirees (p = 0.008), and disability pensioners (p < 0.001). Better health was associated with higher levels of education (p < 0.001). Patients with elementary education provided the lowest ratings while patients with higher degrees gave the highest ratings. Patients living in villages reported better health than those from urban areas (p = 0.019). Social class, education, and place of residence accounted for 17.9% of the variance in EQ-VAS scores.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the role of sociodemographic factors is crucial to promote improved patient care and better healthcare resources. The results of our study can serve as a benchmark for future studies to assess the influence of sociodemographic factors among patients with other subtypes of IJD.