Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that has a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. Its hallmark is erosive arthritis leading to permanent joint deformities and functional limitations. Globally, there is an estimated prevalence of 1%. In Uruguay, care for people with RA has focused mainly on the biological aspects of their health, either through medical polyclinics, rheumatology, or specialized units. However, these strategies have paid little attention to the contextual situation of people living with RA. It is understood that to deploy health care that has an impact on the quality of life of the person suffering from RA, their expectations and needs must also be taken into account. There is evidence that treatment adherence improves significantly when treatments incorporate therapeutic strategies that address aspects related to social support networks, life course interests, quality of life, self-care, self-esteem, family dynamics, and anxiety. In addition, an improvement in motivation for change, group support, and adoption of healthy habits has been observed when integrated into the therapeutic process.

The general objective of this proposal is to evaluate the effect of non-pharmacological interventions in people with RA receiving standard treatment. The specific objectives are: i) to describe the health status of people with RA from the biological, psychological, and social dimensions, ii) to determine the severity of disability and the dimensions of disability most affected in people with RA, iii) to determine the socioeconomic factors related to disability and its severity, iv) to evaluate the quality of life and relate it to the level of disease activity and v) to analyze the relationship between the dimensions that integrate the biopsychosocial approach to health with adherence to treatment and the effect of the intervention applied.

This is a prospective experimental study in a cohort of people who have been diagnosed with RA and are on standard treatment. Three groups of patients with RA who meet the definition of standard treatment in follow-up in the Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Units (hereinafter UEAS) and rheumatology polyclinic of public and private providers will be formed. This population's biological, psychological, and social dimensions will be measured at an initial (t0) and final (t1) time in control groups, groups with remote activities, and groups that participate in face-to-face exchanges.

By the time of the presentation at your Congress, if this proposal is accepted, we will have the results of the characterization of T0 and the comparison with T1.

This study is funded by the Comisión Sectorial de Investigación Científica (CSIC) of the Universidad de la República of Uruguay.