Purpose: Illness intrusiveness (illness induced lifestyle disruption) by symptoms was investigated in 439 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Method: The cross-sectional and retrospective survey design was used. Fatigue, disability, pain, and depression were considered as symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Result: Patients were reported to perceive more illness intrusiveness than other chronic disease patients such as end stage renal disease, bipolar disorder, and peritoneal dialysis patients. They were especially intrusive into work, health, and active recreation domains. Stepwise regression analysis identified four variables counting for 26% of illness intrusiveness variances: fatigue, disability, marital status, and depression. All of the symptoms except pain were found to significantly predict illness intrusiveness. Fatigue explained 16% of illness intrusiveness variances.
Conclusion: Fatigue and depression usually overlooked by health professionals must be carefully assessed and managed to reduce perceived illness for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
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