Sleep and quality of life in ankylosing spondylitis patients

Introduction and Aim: Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic inflamatory rheumatologic disease that affects adult male patients. It causes physical deformities in the later periods and causes restrictions on the person's daily activities. The aim of this study to evaluate the relationship between disease activity and sleep and quality of life in ankylosing spondylitis patients. Material and Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study was selected from 151 patients aged 18-65 years who were diagnosed as Ankylosing Spondylitis and applied to Dicle University Medical Faculty Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Polyclinic. A sociodemographic data form, BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) to assess disease activity, ASQoL (Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life) to assess quality of life and ISI (Insomnia severity Index) to assess sleep quality was performed. Results: Of the patients, 72.2% (n=109) were male. The mean value of BASDAI was 2.1±2.0, the mean ASQoL score was 6.7±5.7 and the mean value of ISI was 8.1±6.2. BASDAI, ASQoL and ISI were significantly higher in the female patients (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.013, respectively). The mean age of onset of complaints was 26.3±8.1 years, and the mean age at diagnosis was 30.1±9.2. BASDAI and ISI and increased significantly as the age of diagnosis was delayed (p=0.15, p=0.22, respectively). When the drugs used by the patients were examined, it was seen that 109 (72.2%) patients were using biological agents and BASDAI was significantly lower in these patients (p=0.02). ASQoL and ISI were also significantly elevated as BASDAI increased (both, p<0.01). Conclusion: A significant relationship was found between the disease activity and sleep and quality of life. In this context, we think that multidisciplinary approach, social and psychiatric support should be given to the patients, and their families of patients should be informed about this issue. Key words: Ankylosing Spondylitis, disease activity, sleep and quality of life