Functional Dependence on Basic Activities of Daily Living and its Family Impact in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between functional dependence on basic activities of daily living and family impact in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, prospective and analytical study. It was carried out in the Family Medicine Unit No. 37 of Hermosillo, Sonora. Mexico. Between January 2022 and April 2023, 372 patients were identified with the diagnosis of RA. Non-probability sampling. The sample of this study was 57 patients between 40 and 60 years old who attended the outpatient clinic from December 2023 to March 2024. The patients signed the corresponding informed consent. In 57 patients, the Barthel Index was applied to determine functional dependence and the Family Impact Instrument was applied to the effects of RA on the family. Results: Of the 57 patients, 79% were women and 21% men. 75.4% presented mild dependence and 50.9% had severe family repercussions. The relationship between mild functional dependence and severe family impact was sought with χ² p <0.001. Conclusions: In this study, no patients with severe functional dependence were found, however, it was observed that the majority of patients presented mild dependence with severe family repercussions.