Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the degree of acceptance of illness (AI) by persons affected by rheumatoid arthritis as related to the disease duration and selected socio-demographic factors. The research group consisted of 22 women and 18 men (average subjects” age was 50.7±14.3 years, and average disease duration – 14.4±7.8 years). In the study Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) was used. Men were found to have slightly higher levels of AI (29.06) than women (24.32). AI ratio was the lowest among those who lost their spouse (17.71), the unmarried 23.5, the married 29.84 (p<0.001). The respondents with university degrees, obtained the average AI value of 32.5; the scores obtained from the subjects with secondary; vocational and basic education were 23, 21.86 and 26.64 respectively (p<0.02). The patients with RA aged below 39 years obtained the average AI value of 31.55, those aged from 40-59 years – 27.94, and those over 60 years – 19.67 (p<0.01). Negative correlation was observed between the duration of the disease and its degree of acceptance (r =-0.64, p<0.00001). The long duration of illness has a negative impact on the degree of disease tolerance. Younger, better educated and having their spouse’s support patients find it easier to adapt to functional limitations caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Both gender and place of residence (city or village) does not significantly influence the level of acceptance of the disease in patients with RA.

Key words:

rheumatoid arthritis (RA), acceptance of illness (AI)