RESUMO
Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA] can get a considerable impact on patients' quality of life. Path analysis is an exact statistical method for determining the best causative model of variables. So, the aim of this paper is application of regression based path analysis for introduction of the best model of RA quality of life determinants, using Precede Model constructs. This analytic study was carried out on non-probability sample of 181 outpatients with RA, referred to a rheumatology clinic in the city of Yazd in Iran. Appropriate instruments included questions regarding Precede model constructs were used to measure the variables. Data were analysed using regression based path analysis method by means of SPSS software. Health status and enabling factors had a direct effect on quality of life within which health status had the most powerful effect. Self-care behaviors, predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors had an indirect effect on quality of life through health status. After health status, self-care behaviors are the second powerful predictor of quality of life in RA patients and then enabling factors is the third one. Precede model could be used as an conceptual framework for designing and implementing educational intervention programs to promote quality of life in RA patients. Enabling factors were found as the most powerful factors in the educational and ecological diagnostic stage of predictors of quality of life in RA patients and need to be considered carefully, while designing intervention programs