Last update:
29-Apr-2026

OBJECTIVE To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and identify the factors that influence it.

METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted at the "Asklepieion" General Hospital of Voula from December 2021 to December 2022. The study comprised 110 patients diagnosed with RA. Data collection was conducted using the short version of the SF-12 questionnaire. Data were collected using a convenience sampling approach. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 26.0.

RESULTS The mean score for the "physical health" subscale was 54.8±23.5, while the mean score for the "mental health" subscale was 53.7±24.2. These scores indicated a moderate quality of life. A statistically significant correlation was found between the "physical health" and "mental health" subscales, with the highest values observed in younger participants and those with a shorter disease duration, a higher level of education, and those who were married and or partnered. No significant statistical correlation was observed between the HRQoL subscales and patients' gender. The coefficient of determination of the model (Radj2) was 0.952, with the independent variables "Rheumatoid arthritis duration (years)", "Age" and "Education" explaining 95.2% of the variation in the dependent variable "SF-12 – physical health". Also, the Radj2 was 0.953, with the independent variables "Rheumatoid arthritis duration (years)", "Age" and "Education" explaining 95.3% of variation in the dependent variable "SF-12 – mental health".

CONCLUSIONS The present study highlighted the importance of socio-demographic characteristics to the HRQoL of individuals with RA. Healthcare providers should consider these characteristics, in conjunction with the overall impact of the disease, to enhance the quality of life of people suffering from RA.

Key words: Health-related quality of life, Rheumatoid arthritis.