ASSOCIATED FACTORS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN THE ELDERLY IN THE SERVICE AREA OF TELAGA DEWA PUBLIC HEALTH CENTRE, BENGKULU CITY

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints and is common among the elderly population. The condition can significantly impact the quality of life, leading to pain, disability, and functional limitations. In the service area of Telaga Dewa Public Health Centre in Bengkulu City, the prevalence of RA among the elderly is rising, highlighting the need to identify associated factors that contribute to the onset and progression of the disease. Understanding these factors can help in the early detection, management, and prevention of RA in this age group.

Purpose: This study aims to determine the associated factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the elderly within the service area of Telaga Dewa Public Health Centre, Bengkulu City. 

Method: Descriptive analytics are utilized in conjunction with a cross-sectional strategy in this research method. Primary data were the ones that were utilized. A questionnaire was utilized to collect data on a variety of topics, including knowledge, genetics, nutritional state, and gender preferences. Using the chi-square test, we conducted the analysis of the data.

Result: The findings revealed that the majority of the forty respondents who had experienced rheumatoid arthritis were female, that more than half of the thirty-six respondents (59%) had a genetic background, that eleven respondents (18%) had a poor nutritional status, and that twenty-three respondents (37.7%) had a lack of understanding. The findings of the statistical test indicated that there was a connection between the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis and factors such as gender, heredity, dietary status, and level of knowledge.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a number of different factors, including heredity, gender, nutritional state, and education on the subject. We have high hopes that the individuals who responded would be able to stop the recurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.