Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that may cause joint stiffness, pain, reduced mobility, and impaired functional ability. Self-care education may help patients improve their knowledge and practices related to disease management, joint protection, physical activity, exercise, energy conservation, and symptom management.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-care educational program on joint stiffness and functional ability among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants will be assigned to either a study group or a control group. The study group will receive the self-care educational program in addition to routine care, while the control group will receive routine care only. Joint stiffness and functional ability will be assessed before and after implementation of the educational program.