Abstract
Background: Fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis patients is a significant problem that might affect mood status as most studies among RA patients have shown a relationship between fatigue and mood status.
Objectives: This study was done to assess the presence of fatigue and mood disturbances among RA patients in Saudi Arabia and possible association between depression and fatigue in RA.
Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients using convenience sampling. The data collected using a self-designed online questionnaire containing multidimensional assessment of fatigue using Global Fatigue Index (MAF-GFI) and Beck depression inventory for mood status. It was distributed to all regions of Saudi Arabia through the Rheumatoid Charity Association starting from October 2018 until January 2019. The total number of patients included in the study was 244, after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results: An 89.8% of the 244 participants were female while 10.2% were male. RA patients had a mean MAF-GFI score of (29.91 +/- 8.17) and a mean Beck score (17.72 +/- 10.13). 28.7% of RA patients had mild mood disturbance, and depression was significantly correlated with fatigue in RA patients. Marital status and employment were significantly correlated with fatigue, while gender was not. These demographic data had no significant correlation with depression.
Conclusion: Depression and fatigue show a clear association in RA patients. Depression is prevalent enough to warrant regular screening for warning signs of mood disturbance, particularly when fatigue has been established.