Patient Perspectives on the Role of Occupational Therapy in Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that significantly impacts patients' functional independence and quality of life. While occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in RA management through joint protection techniques and adaptive strategies, patient awareness and utilization of these services remain suboptimal. This study aimed to assess patient perspectives on the role of OT in managing RA, evaluating their awareness, experiences, and barriers to accessing OT services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across service hospitals in Karachi using non-probability convenience sampling. A validated self-designed questionnaire comprising 31 questions was administered to 303 participants diagnosed with RA. The questionnaire assessed demographic information, life satisfaction, specific concerns about RA treatment, and perceptions of OT awareness. Inclusion criteria encompassed participants aged >18 years diagnosed with RA, excluding those with severe mental illness or cognitive impairment. Results: Among 100 RA patients (predominantly female housewives), 83% experienced significant lifestyle changes due to RA, with 75% reporting difficulties in basic activities of daily living (BADLs). Despite the functional impact, 85% had never received OT services, with 83% citing lack of awareness as the primary barrier. Among those who received OT (15%), 66.7% expressed satisfaction with the intervention. Notably, 89% of participants would recommend OT for RA management, recognizing its benefits in pain reduction (58%) and improving daily activities (41.7%). Joint pain was the most prevalent symptom (39%), with 50% reporting moderate pain intensity and 44% experiencing severe pain. Conclusion: This study reveals a critical gap in OT awareness among RA patients, despite high satisfaction rates among those who received services. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced patient education, structured referral systems, and better integration of OT into multidisciplinary RA care to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/03.04/011