Factors Influencing The Occurrence Of Rheumatoid Arthritis In The Elderly At The Telaga Dewa Community Health Center, Bengkulu City

Abstract

In Indonesia, the elderly are the most vulnerable group to rheumatoid arthritis due to the ongoing degenerative process and a decline in the immune system. This causes RA to become a serious threat to the independence of the elderly, especially in carrying out daily activities. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that influence the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly at the Telaga Dewa Community Health Center, Bengkulu City in 2025. The research method used is descriptive quantitative research with a cross-sectional approach. The sampling technique used Accidental Sampling technique with a sample size of 61 people representing all elderly patients at the Telaga Dewa Community Health Center, Bengkulu City in 2025. The results of this study show that most respondents (55.1%) have insufficient knowledge, most respondents (61.5%) with obesity status, and most respondents (51.3%) with no genetic status. There is a relationship between knowledge and obesity status with the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis, there is no relationship between genetic status with the incidence of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the elderly at the Telaga Dewa Community Health Center, Bengkulu City