A Comparative Analysis of Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore quality of life [QOL] in rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] patients.

Methods: Twenty-six RA, 22 FMS patients and 25 control subjects were examined. The Nottingham Health Profile [NHP] was used to assess quality of life in the subjects.

Results: All dimensions of the NHP in RA and FMS patients were significantly higher than in the control group. The physical activity and pain scores of the RA group were higher than in the FMS group, whereas energy, social isolation, sleep, and emotional reaction scores were higher in FMS patients.

Conclusion: Quality of life as measured by the NHP confirms our expectation that individuals with increasing functional disability have a reduced QOL especially in the physical sections. But FMS patients suffering from widespread pain have a more decreased QOL except for the levels of disability.

KEYWORDS:

• Quality of life
• rheumatoid arthritis
• fibromyalgia
• Nottingham Health Profile