JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS IN CHILDREN: DISEASE ACTIVITY, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Relevance. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is one of the most common chronic rheumatic diseases in childhood. The disease may be accompanied by functional limitations, reduced quality of life, and psycho-emotional disturbances. Therefore, assessment of a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis should include not only disease activity but also its impact on daily functioning and emotional well-being. Objective. To assess quality of life and psycho-emotional status in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and to evaluate treatment adherence and family awareness of the disease and its management. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at two rheumatology centers in Almaty. The study included 37 children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis aged 7–18 years and their parents; the control group consisted of 20 apparently healthy children. Disease activity was assessed using JADAS-27, quality of life using PedsQL, anxiety using SCARED, and depressive symptoms using CDI and BDI. Awareness of the disease and treatment was assessed using questionnaires completed by children and parents. Results. The oligoarticular subtype was the most common clinical form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, observed in 18 (48.6 %) patients. Moderate disease activity according to JADAS-27 was found in 20 (54.1 %) children and high activity in 14 (37,8 %). Reduced quality of life according to PedsQL was identified in 22 (59,5 %) patients, with the emotional domain showing the lowest scores. According to CDI, mild to moderate psycho-emotional changes were found in 57 % of children. Treatment interruptions were reported in 17 (45.9 %) patients. Difficulties in understanding treatment principles were reported by 45 % of parents, while 58 % indicated a need for additional educational materials. Conclusions. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects not only physical functioning but also quality of life and emotional well-being in children. Comprehensive management should include monitoring of disease activity, assessment of psycho-emotional status, improvement of treatment adherence, and education of patients and their families.