Group therapy in a cohort study of Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects many individuals' issues beyond those which are medically treated. OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of group therapy sessions on disease activity and functional abilities in RA patients. METHODS: One hundred and two patients with RA were divided into two groups; group A included 52 RA patients receiving their regular medical care in addition to group therapy sessions (cases); and group B included 50 RA patients receiving their regular medical care only (controls). Demographic, clinical and serological data were prospectively evaluated. All patients were assessed by using the Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS28) and modified Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (mHAQ-DI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) before, during and after group therapy sessions. RESULTS: Group A showed a statistically significant improvement in DAS28 at the 3rd and 6th months (P < 0.01 and P < 0.04) respectively, significant improvement in mHAQ score at the 3rd and 6th months (P < 0.02 and P < 0.00) respectively, and significant improvement in HAD scale for depression and anxiety (P <0.001). In group A there was no significant correlation between DAS28 and both anxiety or depression (P = 0.6, r = 0.5 and P = 0.06, r = 0.06) respectively, but on correlating mHAQ to both anxiety and depression, there was a statistically significant positive correlation at 6 months (P = 0.01, r = 0.3 and P = 0.03, r = 0.3) respectively. CONCLUSION: Group therapy sessions improve disease outcome, functional disability and psychological well-being in RA patients.