Investigation of the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Quality of Life, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Patients with Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and quality of life, and depression anxiety stress in patients with OA. Methods: This study was carried out in 61 patients with OA, aged 35-67 years, OA diagnosis follow-up, who applied to the physical therapy and rehabilitation unit of State Hospital. In addition to sociodemographic characteristics of patients with OA who volunteered to participate in the study, the information including the answers they gave for the emotional intelligence scale, quality of life questionnaire and depression anxiety stress scale was recorded. Result: A positive, statistical relationship was found between the emotional intelligence and the quality of life (p<0.05). Similarly, a negative, statistical correlation was found between emotional intelligence and depression and stress (p<0.05). Conclusion: As the emotional intelligence of the patients increases, their negative emotional states decrease and their quality of life increases. Thus, it can be said that a patient with OA with a higher emotional intelligence level will have a lower risk of developing negative moods and have a better quality of life.