The Relationship between Depression and the Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

  Background : R heumatoid arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases of unknown causes leading to significant disability especially in adult patients. The depression can considerably affect the patients’ quality of life. Background & Objective  Materials & Methods: In this study, 190 patients who had referred to rheumatology and internal wards of Tehran hospitals were randomly selected. The data were collected using a questionnaire which consisted of 3 parts. The data were collected using a questionnaire which consisted of 3 parts: demographic, disease characteristics, quality of life and Beck depression. All analyses carried out through SPPS statistical software. The data were than analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical procedures (Chi square). Results: The result showed that quality of life was high to moderate in half of the subjects (50%) and was low in the others (50%). With respect to life quality, results showed approximately, 50% of the studied patients evaluate high and moderate their life quality from the physical, socio-economic, mental, sleep and rest and general health dimensions and 50% of others were low. Intensity of depression was severe. There was a meaningful relationship between intensity of depression and quality of life (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The result showed that studying the quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can result in plans to take appropriate measures in order to prevent depression and improve the quality of life