Objective:

Determine the relationship between quality of life, health status and sociodemographic factors among persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Materials and methods:

This is an explanatory correlational study. A direct interview was conducted during the nursing consultation prior to the medical check-up concerning rheumatic diseases. A non-probability intentional sampling of type subjects included 635 individuals.

Results:

A higher frequency of RA was found among women (87%). There also was a positive correlation (0.596; P <0.001) between quality of life and health status. Socio-demographically speaking, women with a basic education and a low socioeconomic status have a lower perception of quality of life and health status. These variables were subjected to a test process using a Path model to analyze covariance.

Conclusions:

The social conditions of persons with RA are factors that determine the implementation of action for intervention aimed at solving the problem this population faces in terms of quality of life.

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