Abstract

VELASCO ZAMORA, Jorge et al. Perception of RA in a population outside health services. Rev. argent. reumatolg. [online]. 2016, vol.27, n.2, pp.16-24. ISSN 0327-4411.

Objectives: Early access to specialized care is a predictor of good prognosis in patients recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the delay in the consultation is a constant; they were identified factors such as those related to the patient, the general practitioner or the health system. The purpose of the study was to explore the perception of the population outside the healthcare setting in a potential scenario of symptoms compatible with RA. Material and methods: A random sample of 1073 individuals aged 18 and over was conducted. It was held in public matches of Quilmes and Berazategui. The survey was conducted by volunteers trained for this purpose which were asked which professional (in terms of specialty) would consult if they had pain and swelling of the knuckles and wrists of both hands, and "if you know the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis". Results: Facing the possibility of having symptoms that mimic RA, the population surveyed chose the following specialists: orthopedic surgeons (61%), clinicians (17%), rheumatologists (15%), others (7%). A third of respondents have referred these symptoms and most (61%) reported not knowing the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis. People who chose rheumatologist an option (56%) were female between 51 and 80 years and knew the difference between RA and OA. Conclusions: The relative absence of rheumatologist in the preference of the surveyed population, as well as confusion about the presence of symptoms compatible with the disease or the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis indicate the need to implement public awareness campaigns aimed at reaffirming specialty against inflammatory joint disease.

Keywords : perception; survey; rheumatology; rheumatoid arthritis.