Background : Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an unidentified cause of chronic, systemic
autoimmune illness. The present study aimed to evaluate the outcome of an advanced
psycho-educational program on mitigating psychosocial problems in patients with
rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest design was
carried out in the Rheumatology Department located at Benha University Hospital, an
institution affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education in Benha City, Egypt, on 60
patient a purposive sample including RA diagnosis and Data Collection Tools were utilized:
1- Structured Interview Questionnaire – gathered personal characteristics and medical
history, 2- “Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21”) – assessed psychological
distress levels, 3-“Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)” evaluated self-esteem levels and
4- UCLA Loneliness Scale – measured perceived social isolation. Results: Patients' general
degrees of despair, anxiety, and stress dropped noticeably once the psycho-educational
program was put into use. Additionally, there was a substantial improvement in self-esteem
and a reduction in perceived loneliness. These changes were a highly significant difference
observed at P < 0.001. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that a structured
psycho-educational program had positive and significantly improved psychosocial problems
in patients with (RA). The intervention produced a notable reduction in depression, anxiety,
and stress while enhancing self-esteem and reducing feelings of loneliness. Implication of
the study :Therefore, integration of such programs into routine RA management can help
reduce anxiety, depression, and stress while enhancing self-esteem and social support.
Further research with larger sample sizes, extended follow-up periods, and assessments at
multiple time points is warranted to validate and expand upon these findings. A holistic,
patient-centered approach can enhance overall quality of life and treatment adherence for
RA patients. |
