Prevalence of Rheumatoid Symptoms in Females of More Than 40 Years-A Survey
Author(s): K Helen Reshma, Palati Sinduja* and Priyadharshini R
Abstract
Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the own healthy cells thereby causing inflammation in the affected parts of the body. It initially affects smaller joints of the body. Severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis can even cause physical disabilities. Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain in joints, swollen joints, and joint stiffness. Fever and fatigue may be present. Other symptoms start to appear in a week or month. It usually occurs in middle age and duration is lifelong and sometimes the causes are unknown. It is treated most often with steroids, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Aim: To determine the prevalence of rheumatoid symptoms in females of more than 40 years. Materials and Methods: Well-structured questionnaire containing 14 self-structured questions was framed and circulated among 50 women above 40 years of age through an online survey link. Descriptive statistics was carried out using SPSS software. . Results: The majority of women aged 40 to 50 years suffer from fatigue. Pearson’s Chi-square value: 4.303, p value- 0.36 (p>0.05), hence statistically not significant. The results conclude that the prevalence of rheumatoid symptoms is less among the women and very few early symptoms are seen among them. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of rheumatoid symptoms was seen less among women above 40years of age. Further studies can be done to check the progression of symptoms.