Which Factors Affect the Functional Situation and Quality of Life in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Objectives: This study was performed to determine the possible predictive factors affecting the functional situation and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Materials and Methods: A total of 88 volunteer Turkish patients with AS were included in the study. We evaluated the Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI) and AS Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL) in patients. The ages, genders, levels of education, morning stiffness duration, smoking statuses, statues of doing the home exercises instructed were interrogated and mobility measurements of patients were performed and all of these values were recorded. Results: BASFI was found to be correlated with smoking (p=0.019), morning stiffness (p=0.001), BMI (p=0.020), exercise (p=0.002), BASMI (p0.001) and BASDAI (p0.001). According to the categorical regression, BASDAI (Beta=0.574, p0.001) was independently associated with the BASFI score. ASQoL was found to have correlation with the level of education (p=0.030), smoking (p=0.049), morning stiffness (p=0.004) and exercise (p=0.007), BASDAI (p0.001) and BASFI (p0.001). It was found that the effect of BASFI was significant on the ASQoL(p=0.007). Conclusion: Even though the duration of the disease appears to be an unchangeable factor, smoking, duration of morning stiffness, the compliance with home‐based exercise program and mobility measurements appear to be relatively changeable factors. Therefore, we believe that specialists who follow patients with AS can influence quality of life and functions of the patients by educating and inspiring them at every visit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]