Life In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Research Articles

Effect of an 8-Week Yoga-Based Lifestyle Intervention on Psycho-Neuro-Immune Axis, Disease Activity, and Perceived Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Various external stressors and environmental challenges lead to the provocation of the immune system in autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The inappropriate immune response further triggers the cascade of inflammatory changes resulting in precipitation of symptoms and hampers quality of life (QOL). The underlying psycho-somatic component of the disease requires a holistic approach to its treatment dimension rather than the use of pharmacotherapy. The applicability of mind-body interventions has become essential in today’s fast-paced life. Yoga, a mind-body technique, alters the mind’s capacity to facilitate systemic functioning at multiple organ system levels. Hence, we conducted this study to evaluate the impact of 8 weeks of a yoga-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI) on psycho-neuro-immune markers, gene expression patterns, and QOL in RA patients on routine medical therapy. A total of 66 patients were randomized into two groups: yoga group or non-yoga group and were assessed for a panel of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, and TGF-β), mind-body communicative markers (BDNF, DHEAS, β-endorphin, and sirtuin) and transcript levels of various genes (IL-6, TNF-α, NFKB1, TGF-β, and CTLA4). We assessed disease activity and QOL using the DAS28-ESR and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, respectively. Yoga group observed significant improvements in the levels of markers, which influenced the psycho-neuro-immune axis (p < 0.001) with an estimated effect size from small to medium range. In the yoga group, there was a significant reduction in DAS28-ESR (p < 0.001) and improvement seen in the physical health, psychological, social relationships domains (p < 0.001) of QOL, except environmental (p > 0.05). The yoga group showed downregulation of IL-6, TNF-α, and CTLA4 and upregulation of TGF-β. These results suggest that a decrease in disease activity after yoga practice is associated with a significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines, the elevation of mind-body communicative markers, and normalization of various transcript levels, which improved QOL. Thus the adoption of YBLI improves clinical outcome in RA, and decreases systemic inflammation by its beneficial effects on psycho-neuro-immune axis and normalization of dysregulated transcripts. Thus YBLI may be used for RA patients as an adjunctive therapy.

Factors that affect the assessment of the quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients depending on the prevalence of frailty syndrome

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a large and varied impact on the quality of life as associated with patient health including both physical and mental well-being.The aim of the study was to assess the factors that affect the assessment of the quality of life of RA patients depending on the prevalence of frailty syndrome.Material and methodsThe study involved 106 patients with RA (82 women; mean age 65.83 ± 5.01), who had been hospitalized in the Silesian Centre for Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Disability Prevention in Ustron, Poland. The patients that were included in the study were divided into two groups depending on the incidence of frailty syndrome: Group 1 – robust patients and Group 2 – patients with frailty syndrome.ResultsFrailty syndrome was identified in 34.9% of the patients with recognized/diagnosed RA; in women, it was 36.14% and in men, it was 25.92%. The average TFI value was 4.11 ± 2.05; in the physical domain, it was 3.39 ± 1.66; in the mental domain, it was 0.41 ± 0.55 and in the social domain, it was 0.31 ± 0.48. The robust patients assessed their quality of life associated with sleep as being worse compared to patients with recognized frailty syndrome.ConclusionFrailty syndrome has no significant impact on the assessment of the quality of life of patients with diagnosed RA. The factors that determine quality of life are different in robust patients and in patients with frailty syndrome. The assessment of the quality of life is affected by the degree of an individual’s fitness regardless of the occurrence of frailty syndrome.

Impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection and disease-2019 (COVID-19) on the quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients in Benin

Aim of the workTo study the impact on the quality of life (QoL) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients following up in a university hospital in Benin during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Patients and methodsThe QoL of 68 RA patients was assessed using Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (MOS-SF36) scale across the physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) components scores. The disease activity score (DAS28) was considered. Patients accepting to participate and having a mean of communication via social network, in particular WhatsApp were included. ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 49.9 ± 12.1 years (11–83 years) and were 65 females and 3 males. The mean DAS-28 at the start of the restriction measures was 3.4 ± 1.5, the mean PCS and MCS were 71.1 ± 20.3 and 67.1 ± 16.02 respectively and became 4.7 ± 2.04, 38.1 ± 4.96 and 36.8 ± 3.8 respectively. After 2 months, none of the RA patients presented with classic symptoms of COVID-19 infection. 8 patients were screened by Rapid Diagnostic Test and Reverse Transcription‐Polymerase Chain Reaction. Only 1 case was positive but asymptomatic. All patients had altered QoL according to MOS-SF36. Factors associated with this deterioration were stress related to SARS-CoV2 isolation (p = 0.001), stress of having an activity flare-up (p = 0.001), fear of being stigmatized (p = 0.009). The economic factors were significantly associated with temporary unemployment, decrease in monthly income, and drug discontinuation (p = 0.001, p = 0.002 and p = 0.046 respectively). ConclusionThe impact of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic is negative on the QoL of RA patients and many factors were contributing.

Do ankle, hindfoot, and heel ultrasound findings predict the symptomatology and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients?

ObjectivesTo evaluate the ankle, hindfoot, and heel changes (determined by physical examination, ultrasound and baropodometry) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, to compare the findings with healthy subjects, and to analyze if these findings are associated with ankle pain and could affect the quality of life.MethodsWe enrolled 35 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 35 healthy controls, and evaluated their ankles (tibiotalar joints, tendons), hindfeet (talonavicular, subtalar joints) and heels using clinical examination, DAS28-CRP, RAPID3 for the evaluation of functional status, quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis questionnaire, ultrasound, and baropodometry.ResultsThe ultrasound inter-observer agreement was good for the subtalar joint, and very good for the other structures. Flat foot was identified in 50% of feet in rheumatoid arthritis patients, with 83.8% having concomitant hindfoot valgus and less subtalar joint synovitis visible from the lateral approach (32.4% vs 55.6%, p = 0.041). The body mass index, RAPID3 and subtalar synovitis were independent predictors for the symptomatic ankle (all p <0.05). Midfoot and heel plantar pressures were higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to healthy controls, but when subtalar synovitis was present, the pressures decreased (avoidance of heel support). Poor quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients was independently predicted by DAS28-CRP, RAPID3, disease stage, hindfoot valgus, tibiotalar and subtalar synovitis, tendon pathology, Achilles tendon enthesophytes, calcaneal erosions, plantar fasciitis, and perifasciitis (all p <0.05).ConclusionThe quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients is significantly affected by ankle and hindfoot pathology (inflammatory modifications, but also degenerative findings and deformities). Ultrasound scanning is an important tool in the evaluation of inflammatory and degenerative lesions in these regions, and their early detection might contribute to a better therapeutic management in these patients.

A useful tool to assess quality of LIFE in rheumatoid arthritis patients that does not require a license: QOL-RA II.

To validate the Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale II (QOL-RA II) in an Argentinean cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients ≥ 18years old, with a diagnosis of RA according to ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria, were included in a cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, RA characteristics, disease activity, and current treatment were registered. Questionnaires were administered, including EQ-5D-3L, QOL-RA II, HAQ-A, and PHQ-9. The QOL-RA II was re-administered in 20 patients to evaluate reproducibility. Four hundred and thirty patients were included. Median QOL-RA was 6.6 (IQR 5.3-8). Mean time to complete it was 1.7 ± 0.57min and to calculate it was 12 ± 1.7s. It showed very good reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.97), reproducibility (ICC, 0.96), and good correlation between the different items and the total questionnaire, without evidence of redundancy. Besides, QOL-RA II presented good correlation with EQ-5D-3L (Rho, 0.6) and moderate with DAS28 (Rho, 0.38), and CDAI (Rho, 0.46). Worse quality of life was observed in patients not doing physical activity, unemployed, and current smokers. Patients with higher disease activity had a significant poorer quality of life. Adjusting by age, sex and disease duration, unemployment, higher disease activity, disability, and the presence of depression were independently associated to worse quality of life. QOL-RA II demonstrated good construct validity, reproducibility, and reliability. It was easy to complete and calculate and does not require a license for its use, thus making it the optimal tool for assessing the quality of life in Spanish-speaking patients with RA. Key Points • The evaluation of quality of life is very important in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. • Most of the questionnaires used to assess the quality of life require a license to use. • QOL-RA II is a valid and simple questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life of patients with RA and does not require a license for its use.

Effects of Treatment at a Medical Resort on the Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue that damages articular and periarticular tissue and leads to the development of permanent deformities and disability. Aim: To assess the quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients after treatment at a medical resort. M aterial and Methods: The study assessed 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated at a medical hospital in Busko-Zdrój. The study group consisted of 18 women and 12 men over the age of 50 years. The patients underwent sulphide/hydrogen sulphide baths and physical therapy procedures. The data collected in the study was statistically analysed using Excel; calculations were performed with the SPSS Statistica 21.0 software. A chi-squared test was used to assess statistical correlations between variables. Results: After spa hospital treatment, all patients reported reduced pain, improved well-being, reduced duration of morning joint stiffness, and improved independence; the pain-free walking distance markedly increased. The treatment had a beneficial influence on the quality of life of study patients. Conclusions: 1. Rheumatoid arthritis is a difficult clinical and social problem. 2. The balneotherapy and physical therapy used in the study reduced the duration of morning joint stiffness and pain experienced by the patients. 3. The balneotherapy and physical therapy used in the study had a positive effect on the ability to ambulate, increasing the pain-free walking distance, and improving the quality of life.

Zoledronic acid ameliorates the effects of secondary osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients

BackgroundSecondary osteoporosis may occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), causing irreversible joint damage and disability. Bisphosphonates, the recently developed bone resorption inhibitors, have demonstrated significant therapeutic effects on senile and postmenopausal osteoporosis. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid (ZOL), with or without methotrexate (MTX), for the prevention and treatment of bone destruction in RA patients.MethodsWe recruited 66 RA patients with symptoms of secondary osteoporosis. They were randomized into three treatment groups—combined treatment with MTX and ZOL, ZOL monotherapy, or MTX monotherapy—in two consecutive 6-month periods. The participants were followed for 12 months. At the end of each treatment period, improvement in disease activity, bone destruction, and fracture risk were evaluated.ResultsCombined treatment with ZOL and MTX had significantly better clinical efficacy compared with either ZOL or MTX monotherapy (P < 0.05). The combination significantly improved the lumbar spine and hip BMD and reduced FRAX scores, suggesting that ZOL combined with MTX reduces bone loss and risk of hip fracture in RA patients with secondary osteoporosis.ConclusionZOL has a synergistic effect when combined with MTX, inhibiting RA disease activity, reducing fracture risk, and improving quality of life in RA patients with secondary osteoporosis.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800019290. Registered 3 November 2018–Retrospective registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj = 31758

Contribution of the self-regulation model to understanding the health related quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

This study examined a comprehensive model that integrates the interrelationships among health-related-quality-of-life (HRQoL), disease duration, disease severity, illness representations, and coping resources regarding patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), based on the Self-regulation model. A convenience sample of 164 patients with RA completed measures of disease's characteristics (disease duration, disease status), illness representations (timeline, consequences, self-control, treatment control, symptom burden, concern about RA, understanding RA, emotional representations), coping resources (resilience, social support), HRQoL, and socio-demographic questionnaires. The research model was assessed through path analysis. Perceptions of higher treatment control, lower consequences of RA and lower symptom burden were directly related to HRQoL. The perceptions of higher self-control, higher treatment control, less concern about RA, and lower emotional representations were associated with higher resilience, which in turn was associated with higher HRQoL. The perceptions of higher treatment control, greater understanding of RA, and lower emotional representations were associated with higher perceived social support; however, social support was not associated with HRQoL. This study contributes to a better understanding of the determinants of HRQoL among RA patients. The findings indicate that clinical interventions targeting RA patients' illness representations and resilience may assist patients with RA to improve their HRQoL.

Effects of Sleep Quality on Health –Related Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients at Zagazig University Hospitals.

Effects of Sleep Quality on Health –Related Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients at Zagazig University Hospitals.

Effect of a Dynamic Exercise Program in Combination With Mediterranean Diet on Quality of Life in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To assess the effect of a dynamic exercise program (DEP) in combination with a Mediterranean diet (MD) on health-related quality of life in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A randomized clinical trial including 144 women with RA diagnosis was performed. Patients were randomized into 4 groups: (1) MD + DEP (n = 36), (2) DEP (n = 37), (3) MD (n = 40), and (4) control (n = 31). All patients received conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Health-related quality of life was assessed with 36-item Short Form Health Survey v2 (0-100 score) and disability with Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index at enrollment and after 24 weeks. Between-groups comparisons of the change in the quality of life scores from baseline to follow-up were performed using analysis of covariance in which baseline-to-follow-up was the dependent variable, and the intervention group was the independent variable. All patients had low disease activity at the time of enrollment, with a mean 28-joint Disease Activity Score of less than 3.2. Patients who were included in the MD + DEP and DEP groups showed 15 points of increase in health-related quality of life global punctuation versus 3.5 in the MD group and -4.6 in the control group (p = 0.01). Also the scores in the physical component after 24 weeks of intervention in the MD + DEP group improved (15.5), in the DEP group (12) and MD group as well (5.1), whereas the control group showed a decrease of the score (-1.7) (p = 0.03 between groups). The combination of MD + DEP could improve the quality of life in RA patients with low disease activity receiving conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Lay Perspectives of Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: The Relevance of Autonomy and Psychological Distress.

The aim of this study is to increase the understanding of Quality of Life (QoL) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and explore the personal features of living with the disease. Sixty-two RA patients (MAge = 56.7; SD = 11.2; female = 83.9%) were interviewed. Assessment included topics on medical condition, functional status (HAQ-DI), and on their perceived difficulties and worries in having RA. Patients' overall definition of QoL was also inquired. Most patients lived with RA for a long period of time (M = 16.5 years; SD = 11.6) and presented moderate HAQ-DI scores (M = 1.37; SD = 0.75). Main features of QoL in RA highlight the importance given to physical health, particularly to independence and autonomy. Psychological distress emerged also as an important feature of living with RA, constraining a good QoL. Medical staff should consider the RA patients' emotional needs, expectations, and main perceived determinants of their QoL to better help them.

Identification of symptom clusters and their synergistic effects on quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

To examine the presence of symptom clusters and synergistic effects of symptom clusters on quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Rheumatoid arthritis patients frequently experience multiple concurrent symptoms of pain, fatigue, and depression. A nonexperimental, cross-sectional correlation design. The study participants were 179 rheumatoid arthritis patients. Data were collected between August and December 2016. A hypothetical model was developed based on the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms Model: physiological antecedents included disease activity and obesity; symptoms of pain, fatigue, and depression were hypothesized as being clustered, and quality of life was taken as the outcome variable. Disease activity had significant direct effects on pain, fatigue, and depression and indirect effects on fatigue and depression, whereas obesity had a significant direct effect on fatigue alone. Three symptom clusters, namely, pain fatigue, fatigue depression, and pain-fatigue depression were identified and found to have significant synergistic effects on quality of life. Our findings support the importance of managing clusters of symptoms simultaneously, that is, collective symptom management. Inter-cluster dynamics between symptoms should be considered when nurses develop symptom management strategies or self-management programs to improve the quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Comorbidities in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

An increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is reported. The absolute cardiovascular risk in RA patients is higher than in the general population, and although the RA prognosis has gradually improved, premature cardiovascular (CV) mortality remains a matter of fact. The purpose of this review is to shed light on CV and metabolic involvement in RA, with the aim of defining its best management. Multiple lines of evidence have revealed common mechanisms behind inflammatory and CV diseases and clarified the metabolic and CV pathways involved in RA and the effects of different pharmacological treatments. CV risk assessment should be mandatory in all RA patients, taking into account the impact of both diseases on patient's prognosis. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is the best management, and rheumatologists, cardiologists, and general practitioners must work together to significantly improve outcome and quality of life in RA patients. Future research could investigate the potential beneficial effects of a more aggressive pharmacological treatment of CV and metabolic risk factors.

Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients taking combination DMARDs

Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients taking combination DMARDs

Assessment of anti-CarP antibodies, disease activity and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients on conventional and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

ObjectiveGood biomarkers are important to guide decisions in the clinical management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA patients harbor antibodies directed against carbamylated proteins which may predict joint damage. This study investigated whether antibodies against carbamylated proteins (anti-CarP) may serve as surrogate prognostic markers.Material and methodsFifty-three patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis according to ACR 1987 criteria were included. Blood samples were analyzed for CarP antibody levels using the ELISA method. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by the WHO SF-36 questionnaire, and disease activity was assessed using the DAS28 calculator. Newly diagnosed patients were assessed at the first visit and at 12 weeks of treatment, while a single assessment was made for patients already on maintenance therapy.ResultsOut of 53 patients, 22 had titers of anti-CarP above the cut-off range and considered as positive for anti-CarP antibodies. Anti-CarP antibody serum level was significantly higher in patients with deformity of joints and with erosions in comparison to those without any destructive changes (p < 0.05). There was a weak positive correlation between anti-CarP and DAS 28 (p > 0.05). Also there was a weak negative correlation in all domains of quality of life with anti-CarP antibody titers (p > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between titers of anti-CarP antibodies and presence or absence of rheumatoid factor.ConclusionsSerum levels of anti-CarP antibodies in RA patients with joint erosions/deformities were much higher than in those without any joint damage. Anti-CarP antibodies may have good prognostic value in RA patients with erosions. Disease activity and QoL of RA patients improved during treatment, but no correlation was found between DAS 28/QoL and anti-CarP antibody serum levels.

Impact of Clinical Pharmacist Mediated Patient Counseling on Health Related Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Healthcare Resource Limited Settings of India

Impact of Clinical Pharmacist Mediated Patient Counseling on Health Related Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Healthcare Resource Limited Settings of India

Sexual Self-Concept and General Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Background:There are several studies regarding sexual dysfunction in chronic diseases such as diabetes and renal failure; however, no significant study has been done on Iranian rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.Objectives:In this study, we aimed to identify and compare sexual dysfunction between RA patients and the normal population.Patients and Methods:In this case-control study, two groups of females (87 RA patients and 89 controls) were randomly selected from the rheumatology clinic of Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran. General health questionnaire (GHQ-28) and multidimensional sexual self-concept questionnaire (MSSCQ) were used to evaluate RA patients. We used SPSS for statistical analysis mainly by the t-test and chi-square test. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.Results:In the GHQ-28 evaluation, RA patients had lower social function; however somatization rated higher in normal patients (P < 0.05). Sexual health was lower in the RA population (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in sexual desire. Except sexual pain, other sexual health parameters were lower in RA patients. The scores were as follow: sensation 13.6 ± 4.4 vs. 12.2 ± 4.5, P = 0.024; lubrication 6.9 ± 2.1 vs. 6.2 ± 2.1, P = 0.017; orgasm 10.4 ± 2.8 vs. 9.5 ± 3.2, P = 0.37; pain 10.1 ± 2.2 vs. 10.8 ± 1.9, P = 0.013; enjoyment 23.8 ± 5.8 vs. 21.3 ± 7.5, P = 0.009 and partner related 8.5 ± 1.7 vs. 7.6 ± 2.4, P = 0.005. Furthermore, the concern of losing their sexual partner was higher in the normal population.Conclusions:Our study demonstrated that almost all GHQ and MSSCQ parameters were lower in RA patients, which indicates lower quality sexual life in RA patients. We recommend further consideration for the treatment and care of these patients.

Relationship between Sleep Disorders, Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis as one of the most common autoimmune diseases is known to be one of the leading causes of disability. Sleep disorders have direct influence on patient's life. According to studies, sleep problems are known to have negative impact on well-being and functioning, but the exact nature of relationship between sleep disorders and Rheumatoid arthritis is not completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep disorders, pain and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis patients. In a descriptive -correlative study, 210 patients with rheumatoid arthritis referred to Tabriz medical university clinics selected by convenience sampling and were assessed by Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SDQ), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using SPSS-13 by descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean (SD) and inferential statistics including Spearman correlation analysis, linear regression, χ(2),t-test and ANOVA. The mean age of participants was 48.41(12.92) years in which most of them (74%) were female. The mean (SD) quality of life was 40.51(22.94), sleepiness 13.14 (5.6) and pain 6.09 (2.14). There was significant negative relationship between some sleep disorders such as (naps, apnea, asphyxia,…) and pain with quality of life but pain severity had more effect on QOL compared to sleep problems. Furthermore, participants had low quality of life with more restriction in physical (mean=34.71) and general health (mean=34.42). Sleep problems and pain were associated with poor quality of life in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.

115. The Remira Study: The Impact of Sustained Remission on Health-Related Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Low Disease Activity State

115. The Remira Study: The Impact of Sustained Remission on Health-Related Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Low Disease Activity State

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Purpose: Aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the sleep and life of rheumatoid arthritis patients and the factors affecting this relationship. Method and material: This research is a descriptive design study. This study was conducted in the Rheumatology polyclinic of a university hospital between January 2011 and June 2011 in İzmir/Turkey. Simple random sampling method was used in this study. The data of the research were collected through face-to-face interviews. “Patient Identification Form”, “Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index” and “Nottingham Health Profile” scale were used for data collection. Results: In Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, total score average of the rheumatoid arthritis patients was found out to be 10.92±4.80. Score averages of the sub-scales of Nottingham Health Profile were found as following: Pain= 67.48±26.53, Energy Level=69.55±30.10, Emotional Reaction= 50.78±27.00, Physical Mobility= 50.59±24.40, Social Isolation= 32.50±30.47 and Sleep= 59.12± 32.53. Conclusion: In line with the findings of the study, it was determined that a great majority of the rheumatoid arthritis patients had poor sleep quality and as well as a low quality of life. Özet Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı Romatoid Artritli hastalarda uyku ve yaşam kalitesi arasındaki ilişkiyi ve bu ilişkiyi etkileyen faktörleri incelemektir. Yöntem: Araştırma tanımlayıcı tipte bir çalışmadır. Araştırma, Ocak- Haziran 2011 tarihleri arasında İzmir/Türkiye’de bir üniversite hastanesinin Romatoloji polikliniğinde yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada basit randomize örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri yüz yüze görüşme yöntemiyle toplanmıştır. Veri toplama için, “Hasta Tanıtım Formu”, “Pittsburgh Uyku Kalitesi İndeksi” ve “Nottingham Sağlık Profili” kullanıldı. Bulgular: Romatoid Artritli hastaların Pittsburgh Uyku Kalitesi İndeksi Toplam Puan Ortalaması; 10.92±4.80 olarak bulundu. Nottingham Sağlık Profili alt boyutları puan ortalamaları sırasıyla: Ağrı=67.48±26.53, Enerji Düzeyi=69.55±30.10 Emosyonel Reaksiyon= 50.78±27.00; Fiziksel Hareketlilik= 50.59±24.40, Sosyal İzolasyon= 32.50±30.47 ve Uyku= 59.12± 32.53 olarak bulundu. Sonuç: Araştırma bulguları doğrultusunda, Romatoid Artritli hastaların büyük bir çoğunluğunun uyku ve yaşam kalitesinin kötü olduğu saptanmıştır.