AB1225-HPR A program based on psychoeducation for rheumatoid arthritis patients

Background The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases defines rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a chronic disease that affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced mobility and affection of internal organs. In order for patients to be able to learn to accept and integrate the disease as a part of theirs daily life, it is important that they have enough information and knowledge about their health condition. The strategy of psychoeducation is important because it involves the patient actively and seeks to have specialist who provide relevant, clear, and comprehensive information. In this way, a change is generated at level of beliefs and myths on the disease, and suggests suggestions for coping with situations for the management of the disease9s impact on the patient9s life. Objectives To determine the effect of a psychoeducation program on the quality of life and commitment to the treatment of patients diagnosed with RA from an specialized center in Bogota. Methods We conducted a quasi-experimental study with two independent groups, one experimental and one for control. The Inclusion Criteria was: patients with RA over 30 years old that knew how to write and read with mobility resources. We excluded patients with emotional stress, stroke, and diagnosed cognitive deficit or with patients with consumption of psychoactive substance. We applied the Analog Visual Scale (EVA), a Quality of Life Questionnaire - Specific for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (QOL-RA). Data Analysis: when performing the normality test, the QoL-RA results were parametric and the analysis was performed with Student9s t test for independent measurements. On the other hand, the results of the EVA and CQR were non-parametric, for that reason we worked with the Mann Whitney U-test. Results We included 36 patients, men (4) and women (32), aged between 35 and 75 years, with diagnosis of RA, which belong to the integral model of RA specialized center. The subjects that patients preferred were: Disease management, changes in health condition, training in abilities for self-care among others. Statistical analysis showed that, when we evaluated quality of life T-student test did not showed any statistical differences between pre and post test results in both groups. The Man Wittney test showed statistical differences between groups (u=70,500, z=241,500, p=,004) regarding the compromise with the RA treatment, but it did not showed differences in regards of pain intensity between groups. Conclusions We recommend a strategy to facilitate the process of data collection in pre-test and post-test. For the next application of the program, it is suggested that the sample of patients must be increased, to increase the duration of each session and the number of sessions of the program. In order to achieve the patients9 attendance at the program, maintain permanent communication (may be by telephone). To have printed or recorded material (Brochures, guides, CDs, etc.) is recommended with the most relevant to each session of the program. Disclosure of Interest None declared