ABSTRACT

Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent inflammation primarily targeting synovial joints, resulting in progressive joint damage and systemic complications. Affecting approximately 0.4–1.3% of the global population, RA shows higher prevalence among women and older individuals. Multifactorial in origin, it is driven by genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental factors like smoking and infections. The cornerstone of RA management includes early diagnosis, effective pharmacological treatments such as DMARDs, and non-pharmacological interventions to mitigate disease progression and improve patient outcomes. Methods: A Prospective Observational Study was conducted in the department of General Medicine at Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla. The study was carried out for a period of 6 months in which data from October 2024 – March 2025 were collected. Results: The study included 142 patients. Methotrexate emerged as the primary treatment, supplemented with other DMARDs, corticosteroids, and supportive therapies. Key demographic trends included a femalepredominance (84.5%) and high prevalence of comorbidities like hypertension (45.8%) and diabetes (24.6%). The Medication Adherence and Quality of Life was measured using MARS and SF-36 questionnaire. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were assessed in the study using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale where most ADRs were categorized as "doubtful" or "possible," indicating a relatively low likelihood of direct causation from prescribed medications. Conclusion: RA management requires a comprehensive approach combining pharmacological interventions and patient education. Pharmacist-led counselling proved instrumental in improving adherence and quality of life. The study emphasizes integrated care models as effective strategies to address the complex challenges of RA, suggesting future research into long-term impacts and digital health tools for enhanced management. Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic drugs, Medication Adherence, Quality of Life, Adverse Drug Reaction
Publication date: 01/09/2026

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/September/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10460.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.9.10460