The effect of concept mapping–based self-care education on quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a non-randomized quasi-experimental study

OBJECTIVE: In addition to pharmacological treatments, self-care education is crucial for managing chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Concept mapping, a visual and learner-centered educational strategy, has shown potential in improving self-care engagement. However, evidence for its effectiveness in rheumatoid arthritis populations remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of concept map-based self-care education on quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. RESULTS: Following the intervention, participants in the experimental group showed significantly better outcomes compared to the control group in overall quality of life (P < 0.001) and most domain-specific measures, including Activities, Movement, and Energy (P = 0.007); Mood/Emotions (P < 0.001); and Physical Contact (P = 0.015), with moderate to large effect sizes. However, no significant difference was observed in the Self-Care domain (P = 0.300). Within-group analyses revealed significant improvements in quality of life across all domains in the intervention group (all P < 0.05), whereas no changes were observed in the control group (all P > 0.05). Therefore, concept mapping, as a structured and visual educational strategy, may enhance patients' understanding of complex self-care information and improve quality of life among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol of this clinical trial has been registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Registration Center (registration code: IRCT20230405057828N1). Registered 23 June 2023- registered while recruiting, https://www.irct.ir/.