Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune and acquire a long-term disease. It causes
symptoms such as pain, early morning stiffness, joint swelling, fatigue decreased ability to
work, and premature mortality, and also difficult to manage at home and work. The study was
cross-sectional and data was collected using a simple structured questionnaire from the Jinja
district. The data was analyzed using an excel spreadsheet and calculator. Results were
presented in tables and pie charts. Results indicate that 65% of the respondents do know
what Rheumatoid Arthritis is. The majority of 20% of respondents know Rheumatoid Arthritis
through radio. The majority of 39% of respondents indicated that aging causes Rheumatoid
Arthritis. The majority of 60% of respondents indicated that Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Make
Work Difficult. The majority of 70% of respondents indicated that they were not diagnosed
with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The majority of 44% of respondents indicated that physical exercise
is the major means to manage Rheumatoid Arthritis. Results indicate that 60% of the
respondents do go to the hospital for a checkup when they feel pain. The majority of 70% of
respondents always take care of their teeth. The majority of 60% of respondents don’t maintain
a healthy weight. The majority of 22% of respondents don’t maintain which food is can be used
to prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis. The majority of 35% of respondents often exercise when they
get time. There should be proper knowledge levels. Before providing education for RA patients,
healthcare professionals must take time to ascertain the knowledge level of each patient, so
that the education can be tailored to their individual information needs.