The Impact of Analgesic Medication on Quality of Life Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that substantially compromises physical function, mental well-being, and health-related quality of life. Objective: To assess health-related quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using the EuroQol-5D instrument and to evaluate treatment-related outcomes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 25 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis attending the Outpatient Department of Fuji Foundation Hospital. Data were collected over a defined study period using the EuroQol-5D questionnaire to evaluate mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain or discomfort, and anxiety or depression. Information regarding pharmacological treatment was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: The analysis demonstrated marked impairment across all EuroQol-5D domains, particularly in pain or discomfort and limitations in usual activities. Regarding treatment patterns, 16% of patients were receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, 52% were on analgesic monotherapy, and 24% were treated with a combination of analgesics and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Patients receiving combination therapy showed better therapeutic outcomes and higher quality-of-life scores than those on monotherapy. Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis significantly impairs health-related quality of life across physical and psychological domains. Combination therapy with analgesics and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs appears to be associated with improved outcomes. Comprehensive management strategies addressing both physical symptoms and mental health are essential to enhance the quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.