Anxiety, Depression and Stress in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Problem Statement: Rheumatic diseases carries a high physical, psychological and social impact, with relevant multi-dimensional assessment of psychosocial functioning of these rheumatic patients, reasons for carrying out the present study.Research Questions: What is the prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?Purpose of the Study: This aimed to identify the prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress in people with rheumatoid arthritis These have in our population worse quality of life indicators, when compared with the general population.Research Methods The study observational was conducted with 80 participants, 82.5% were female, aged between 21 and 80 years, with an average of 58.16 years.Was applied “Health Assessment Questionnaire” (Fries, 197, validated by Santos Reis, Rebelo, Days, Pink & Queiroz, 1996); “Anxiety Scale, Depression and Stress” (PF Lovibond and Lovibond SH, 1995, adapted by Ribeiro, Honored and Leal, 2004).Findings: Moderate and high anxiety was found in 37.5% of the sample and severe depressive symptoms in 35%, which are higher in women (♀40,9%; ♂39,4%). Stress presented high in 42.5% of subjects.The anxiety and depression are higher in the females participants, with increased pain and superior functional impairment. Stress increases with the low income and worsening of health status.Conclusions: Nursing care to these people should include interventions aimed at screening, referral and treatment of these clinical outbreaks. These nosological entities should also be considered when planning educational activities / training of future health professionals.