EFFECTIVENESS OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL NURSING INTERVENTION PROGRAM ON FEMALE PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Aim: The aim of study was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological nursing intervention programs on female patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used in this study. Methods: Pre-post follow-up assessment of outcome was used in this study. The study was conducted in the inpatient and outpatient clinics of rheumatology and rehabilitation at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. Results: There was a significant improvement in knowledge and practice of patients with RA in the post and follow-up phase of the program in the intervention group. In addition, the patients showed a high level of independence regarding ability to perform ADL. There was a statistically significant decrease in disability for patients in the intervention group. Conclusion: It is recommended that non-pharmacological intervention programs be implemented for patients with RA in different settings to help reduce the number of patients complaining of pain and disability. Keywords: intervention program, non-pharmacological, rheumatoid arthritis.