Abstract: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic, autoimmune and inflammatory disease with an
unknown etiology that is associated with progressive joint degeneration, limitation of physical activity and
disability. The aim of the study was to evaluate self-management behaviors and their associated factors in RA
patients.
Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2013 on185 patients in Tehran, Iran selected
through convenient sampling. The collected data included demographic variables, disease related variables,
Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2 (AIMS-2SF), and Self-Management Behaviors (SMB). Data were
analyzed by SPSS17 using Spearman correlation and logistic regression test.
Result: In this study drug management, regular follow-up, and food supplement were used as the most
frequently applied SMB and aquatic exercise, diet, massage therapy, and relaxation were the least common
SMBs. Age, education, health status, occupation, marital status, sex, DAS28 (Disease Activity Score 28 joints),
and PGA (Physician Global Assessment) were significantly related with SMB.
Conclusion: The result of the study highlight the influence of demographic variables, health status, and disease
related data on SMB. Thus, more studies are required to find factors influencing SMB in order to improve SMB.
Keywords: self management, Rheumatoid Arthritis, health status, Tehran