Abstract:
The study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-esteem,
resilience, and quality of life of persons with rheumatoid arthritis. A cross sectional survey was the design used for the study. Data were collected from
117 persons receiving treatment for rheumatoid arthritis at Korle-Bu Teaching
Hospital using a purposive and convenient sampling technique. Rosenberg
Self-esteem scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC-10), and
World Health Organisation Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-Bref) were the
scales used for the data collection. The findings from the study indicated that
self-esteem, resilience, and quality of life levels in the participants were
moderate to high. The results also revealed that self-esteem and resilience
positively related to the quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The study also found resilience to be a significant mediator in the relationship
between self-esteem and quality of life of persons with rheumatoid arthritis at
Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. It was concluded that a relationship exists
between self-esteem, resilience, and quality of life. The study, therefore,
recommended that policy makers on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and
medical practitioners should not only focus on the physiological treatment of
arthritis patients but should take into consideration their psychological and
mental health since these could also affect the progression of the disease.
