RESUMO
Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence and relationship among anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and quality of life, along with factors affecting quality of life, on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. @*Methods@#This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study, and 200 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who visited a single university hospital as outpatients were recruited through convenience sampling. Using a structured questionnaire, a survey was conducted regarding the general characteristics, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and quality of life. Collected data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, and regression analysis. @*Results@#Results showed that lower levels of anxiety or depression and higher levels of self-esteem were associated with improved quality of life. Depression was identified as the main factor affecting quality of life, followed by anxiety, glucocorticoid treatment, time elapsed after diagnosis, and occupational status. @*Conclusion@#These findings confirmed that depression, anxiety, and glucocorticoid medication are factors influencing quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Duration since diagnosis, and occupation should be considered in order to improve the quality of life of these patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The occupation and treatment-related characteristics of the patients must be considered, with particular focus on depression and anxiety.