Effect of Nursing Instructions for Rheumatoid Arthritis self-care on Pain Intensity and Functional Ability among Arthritic Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant professor of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Zagazig University

2 Assistant professor of Community health nursing department, Faculty of nursing, Suez Canal University

3 lecturer of Medical- Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University

Abstract

Background: Arthritic women is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions and a leading cause of long-term disability, pain, and increased health care utilization. Nursing instructions for rheumatoid arthritis self-care is the ability of arthritic women to maintain health, and deal with RA and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider Aim: To evaluate the effect of nursing instructions for rheumatoid arthritis self-care on pain intensity and functional ability among arthritic women. Design: quasi experimental study design with pre nursing instruction, after one month and after three months was utilized to achieve the aim of this study. Settings: The present study was conducted at specialized rheumatology unit, in Zagzig university hospital, Sharkeya Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: A convenience sample of 80 women had a definite diagnosis of RA at least one year and willing to participated in the study. Tools: three tools were used for data collection: women assessment interview schedule, women Self-care practices, Numerical analog scale for pain and Functional ability(ADL & IADL) . Results: There was a significant improvement in knowledge and self-care practices of women with RA throughout study phases. Consequently, arthritic women improved in functional ability score and reduce in pain intensity after implementation nursing instruction for RA self-care practices. Conclusion & Recommendations; nursing instructions for Rheumatoid arthritis self-care help in reducing pain level and improvement in functional ability among women with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis self-care result in beneficial effect on disability and pain scores.

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