Patterns and changes in lifestyle habits of patients with rheumatoid arthritis during the first three years post-diagnosis

Objectives This study aimed to in patients with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) describe patterns and changes in healthy lifestyle habits (HLHs’—alcohol use, smoking, and physical activity—from diagnosis of RA to three years post-diagnosis, and to identify factors associated with having multiple HLHs Methods Patients’ data were collected from the Swedish Epidemiological Investigation of RA (EIRA). Physical activity (PA) was categorized to be on a healthy level if > 120 min/week at moderate intensity. Smoking was categorized as smoking/non-smoking. Alcohol consumption of < 120 g/week was deemed healthy. Participants were grouped by number of HLHs: none, one, two, or three. Factors associated with having three HLHs at year three were analysed using logistic factor regression. Results Among 1,097 participants, 56% had three HLHs at baseline, increasing slightly to 58% at year three. Non-smoking increased from 77% to 83%, and healthy alcohol use from 85% to 97%. However, the proportion of participants who achieved a healthy level PA decreased from 84% to 71%. Having three HLHs at year three was associated with younger age (OR = 2.45 (95% CI = 1.50–4.00) for < 35 vs. 55–65 years), living with another adult age (OR = 1.68 (95% CI = 1.25–2.26). Conclusion More than half of the participants had three HLHs at diagnosis and maintained them after three years. Smoking and alcohol habits improved, but the proportion of participants who achieved a healthy level PA decreased. Older patients may need more support in adopting and maintaining HLHs.