Change in and predictors of leisure activities among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study

To describe factors associated with leisure activities, changes in leisure activities over time, and predictors of such changes among persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

A prospective study was conducted of 80 consecutive persons with RA, recruited while participating in a 3-week, rehabilitation day-care programme. The number of leisure activities was assessed through a structured interview. Sociodemographic variables, measures of disease activity [pain, patient's global assessment, C-reactive protein (CRP)], disability [Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Signals of Functional Impairment (SOFI), grip strength], quality of life at baseline, as well as disease activity [mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)] and treatment (proportion of follow-up time on anti-rheumatic drugs during follow-up) were evaluated as possible predictors of change in leisure activities.

Active leisure activities increased, while 'not obviously active or passive' leisure activities were unchanged during the follow-up period. The change in active leisure activities did not correlate with the predictors evaluated.

The increase in active leisure activities was not predicted to a substantial degree by disease activity, disability, or medication. The results suggest that factors other than those evaluated influence changes in leisure activities.