• Akira Hashimoto, Motoki Sonohata, and Masaaki Mawatari.
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Nabeshima 5-1-1, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
• Pain Res Manag. 2020 Jan 1; 2020: 7409396.

ObjectivesThis study investigated the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and several factors, including pain assessments, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThis cross-sectional, single-center study enrolled 85 patients with RA. The variables investigated included demographic characteristics, the 28-joint disease activity score with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ), pain self-efficacy questionnaire (PSEQ), and pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). QOL was measured using the Japanese validated version of the European Quality of Life questionnaire with five dimensions and five levels (EQ-5D-5L).ResultsThe use of oral steroids and oral analgesics was significantly associated with low EQ-5D-5L scores (P < 0.05). EQ-5D-5L score had a significant positive association with PSEQ (r = 0.414) and significant negative association with age, disease duration, DAS28-CRP, PDQ, and PCS (r = -0.217, -0.343, -0.217, -0.277, and -0.384, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that the use of oral analgesics and PSEQ were independent predictors of EQ-5D-5L score (β = -0.248, P < 0.05 and β = 0.233, P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe use of oral analgesics by RA patients may influence their QOL, which, in turn, may affect their feelings of self-efficacy. Various pain management strategies, including surgical treatment, may be explored for the treatment of RA. Furthermore, the PSEQ may be a prominent part of the patient's overall assessment.Copyright © 2020 Akira Hashimoto et al.

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