The effect of concept mapping-based self-care education on quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a non-randomized quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE

In addition to pharmacological treatments, self-care education is crucial for managing chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Concept mapping, a visual and learner-centered educational strategy, has shown potential in improving self-care engagement. However, evidence for its effectiveness in rheumatoid arthritis populations remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of concept map-based self-care education on quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

RESULTS

Following the intervention, participants in the experimental group showed significantly better outcomes compared to the control group in overall quality of life (P < 0.001) and most domain-specific measures, including Activities, Movement, and Energy (P = 0.007); Mood/Emotions (P < 0.001); and Physical Contact (P = 0.015), with moderate to large effect sizes. However, no significant difference was observed in the Self-Care domain (P = 0.300). Within-group analyses revealed significant improvements in quality of life across all domains in the intervention group (all P < 0.05), whereas no changes were observed in the control group (all P > 0.05). Therefore, concept mapping, as a structured and visual educational strategy, may enhance patients' understanding of complex self-care information and improve quality of life among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol of this clinical trial has been registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Registration Center (registration code: IRCT20230405057828N1). Registered 23 June 2023- registered while recruiting, https://www.irct.ir/ .