Knowledge of rheumatoid arthritis among patients: A cross-sectional study at Basra Teaching Hospital, Iraq

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by persistent synovitis and systemic inflammation. Assessing the knowledge of RA patients about their disease can help address misconceptions and barriers to optimal disease management and identify the need to develop targeted health education programs. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge among RA patients about their disease and to identify the patients’ needs for an education program about their condition. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Basra Teaching Hospital Rheumatology outpatient clinic, Iraq. The study included 400 RA patients diagnosed according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria for RA. Data were collected through direct interviews using a modified version of the Patient Knowledge Questionnaire (PKQ). The PKQ includes six domains: causes of RA, clinical features, blood tests, medications, exercise, and joint protection. Results: The mean age of the participants was 41.99 ± 13.34 years, with a female predominance (84.5%). The mean total score of knowledge about RA among the patients was 24.12 ± 4.41 out of a maximum score of 40. The distribution of knowledge levels was 20.0% poor, 39.5% fair, and 40.5% good. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age, educational level, employment status, and primary source of information. Age and Education level were significant predictors of knowledge about RA. Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal gaps in RA patients’ knowledge, particularly in areas related to joint protection and the significance of regular exercise. These highlight the need for educational programs specific to RA patients’ needs.