Predictors of Disease Severity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Sirjan, Iran: Application of the Health Belief Model

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and progressive disability. Identifying factors contributing to disease severity is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and enhancing the quality of life in these patients. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the predictors of disease severity in patients with RA in Sirjan in 2023, using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed with RA at the Seyed Ebrahim Hosseini Specialty Clinic in Sirjan, Iran, between June and November 2023. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), and the HBM Questionnaire. To minimize bias, data collectors were trained uniformly, and standard measurement tools were employed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods, including Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Results: The patients' mean age was 55.09 ± 12.45 years, and the mean disease duration was 4.06 ± 1.30 years. The majority of patients were female, married, and had completed secondary education. Regression analysis results indicated that none of the HBM and demographic variables were significant predictors of DAS28 in patients with RA (P > 0.05). However, a statistically significant correlation was found between the duration of the disease and its severity (R = 0.21, P = 0.041; 95% CI: 0.008 to 0.412), with longer disease duration associated with increased severity. Conclusions: Based on this study's findings, there is an emphasis on the importance of continuous monitoring and managing the disease to prevent the worsening of symptoms and deterioration of the patient's condition. Further research is recommended to more definitively determine the effectiveness of the HBM in patients with RA.