INVESTIGATION OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT FOOT HEALTH IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

OpenAlex İngilizce

Aim:Foot involvement is frequently observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the knowledge about foot health in patients with RA is limited and the awareness of physicians is not sufficient. The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge about foot health and related factors in patients with RA. Material and Methods:This study included 115 patients diagnosed with RA. Demographics of patients were recorded. The Overall Foot Health Questionnaire (OFHQ), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were used to evaluate knowledge level about foot health, foot function, and general health status, respectively. Results:The study was completed with 111 patients with RA. It was found that the foot health knowledge level of patients with RA was 9.03±3.9, out of 18. A significant difference was found in gender, occupation, smoking, and education level according to OFHQ, and correlation was found between OFHQ and disability subscale of FFI (p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between OFHQ and pain and activity restriction subscales of FFI and HAQ (p>0.05). Conclusion:It was found moderate level of knowledge of foot health in patients with RA. Therefore, it is important to provide more information about foot health protection and to include patients’ education as a part of treatment.