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. 2021 Jan 11;5(1):rkaa076.
doi: 10.1093/rap/rkaa076. eCollection 2021.

Patient perceptions of co-morbidities in inflammatory arthritis

Gouri M Koduri  1 , Nicola J Gullick  2 , Fiona Hayes  1 , Shirish Dubey  2 , Chetan Mukhtyar  3
Affiliations

Patient perceptions of co-morbidities in inflammatory arthritis

Gouri M Koduri et al. Rheumatol Adv Pract. .

Abstract

Objective: Longer life expectancy has resulted in people living with an increasing number of co-morbidities. The average individual with inflammatory arthritis has two co-morbidities, which contribute to higher mortality, poorer functional outcomes and increased health-care utilization and cost. A number of studies have investigated the prevalence of co-morbidities, whereas this study was designed to look at patient perspectives.

Methods: The study comprised two parts: a patient questionnaire and an interview. Individuals with physician-verified inflammatory arthritis along with one or more Charlson co-morbidities were invited to participate. In-depth data were obtained by interviews with 12 willing participants.

Results: One hundred and forty-six individuals were recruited; 50 (35%) had one co-morbidity, 69 (48%) had two and 25 (17%) had more than four co-morbidities. Seventy-seven individuals (53%) reported that co-morbidities affected their health as much as their arthritis, and 82 (56%) reported dependence on others for activities of daily living. Lack of education was highlighted by 106 (73%) participants. Qualitative data provided further support for the challenges, with participants highlighting the lack of time to discuss complex or multiple problems, with no-one coordinating their care. This, in turn, led to polypharmacy and insufficient discussion around drug and disease interactions, complications and self-help measures.

Conclusion: This study highlights the challenges for individuals with inflammatory arthritis who suffer with multiple co-morbidities. The challenges result from limited resources or support within the current health-care environments. Individuals highlighted the poor quality of life, which is multifactorial, and the need for better educational strategies and coordination of care to improve outcomes.

Keywords: Charlson co-morbidity; co-morbidities; education and outcomes; inflammatory arthritis; patient perception; polypharmacy.

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Figures

<sc>Fig</sc>. 1
Fig. 1
Quotes relating to awareness and impact of co-morbidities, polypharmacy and lifestyle
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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