Occupational Performance Problems in Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Occupational Performance Problems Frequently Reported by Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Aim: To identify the main occupational performance problems reported by individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and the relationship between these activities with work status of participants . Methods: the investigators conducted a cross-sectional study with 81 patients with RA. Individuals were interviewed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Data was described in frequencies and percentages, and the Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine the asymptotic association between the occupational performance problems with work.

For this cross-sectional study, 81 patients were recruited by convenience at the Clinical Hospital (HC) of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), in Brazil.

COPM was applied to identify the main occupational performance problems reported by participants. The COPM is an individual measure of self-awareness about the problems faced when carrying out the activities. It identifies problems in the areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure, and measure the individual's performance and satisfaction regarding these activities

Inclusion Criteria:

• over 46 years old;
• diagnosed with RA by rheumatologist (American College of Rheumatology);
• mental competency as assessed with the Mental State Mini-Examination;
• possessed the skills to understand the instructions study.

Exclusion Criteria

• had undergone surgery in the upper limbs.