Change in and predictors of leisure activities among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study

Abstract

Objective: To describe factors associated with leisure activities, changes in leisure activities over time, and predictors of such changes among persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: A prospective study was conducted of 80 consecutive persons with RA, recruited while participating in a 3‐week, rehabilitation day‐care programme. The number of leisure activities was assessed through a structured interview. Sociodemographic variables, measures of disease activity [pain, patient's global assessment, C‐reactive protein (CRP)], disability [Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Signals of Functional Impairment (SOFI), grip strength], quality of life at baseline, as well as disease activity [mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)] and treatment (proportion of follow‐up time on anti‐rheumatic drugs during follow‐up) were evaluated as possible predictors of change in leisure activities.

Results: Active leisure activities increased, while ‘not obviously active or passive’ leisure activities were unchanged during the follow‐up period. The change in active leisure activities did not correlate with the predictors evaluated.

Conclusion: The increase in active leisure activities was not predicted to a substantial degree by disease activity, disability, or medication. The results suggest that factors other than those evaluated influence changes in leisure activities.