الفهرس 
AbstractOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a symmetrical disease that initially affects small joints progressing to larger joints and eventually the skin, eyes, heart, kidneys, and lungs. Self-care is of utmost importance for people with rheumatoid arthritis to minimize their complaints, reduce clinic visits and reduce disability. Aim: To evaluate the effect of self-care guidelines on quality of life among women with rheumatoid arthritis. Design: Quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of self-care guidelines on quality of life among women with rheumatoid arthritis. Setting: The study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation at Suez Canal University Hospitals. Subjects: Purposeful sample was composed of 80 women had a definite diagnosis of RA and willing to participated in the study. Tools: three tools were used for data collection: Tool I: Women assessment interview questionnaire composed of three parts; sociodemographic, medical history, women self-care practice, Tool II: Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale2 (AIMS2-SF). Tool III: Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Results: There was a significant improvement in knowledge and selfcare practices of women with RA throughout study phases. Consequently, arthritic women improved in functional ability score and reduced in pain intensity after implementation RA self-care guidelines. Conclusion: Self-care guidelines helped in reducing pain level and improving quality of life and health status among women with rheumatoid arthritis. Self-care guidelines resulted in beneficial effect on disability and pain scores. Recommendation: Self-care guideline can be considered an effective intervention to improve the quality of life, perform activities of daily living and minimize functional disability in rheumatoid arthritis patients.