HUBUNGAN ANTARA TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN DAN POLA MAKAN DENGAN KEJADIAN ARTRITIS REUMATOID PADA LANSIA DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS TARUS KECAMATAN KUPANG TENGAH KABUPATEN KUPANG

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints, usually in the joints of the hands and feet which are symmetrically inflamed, causing swelling, pain and often causing damage to the inside of the joint. This study aims to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge and diet and the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly. This type of research is analytical correlation with cross sectional design. The sample in this study was the elderly who experienced rheumatoid arthritis in the work area of ​​the Tarus community health center. The sample technique used in this study was accidental sampling, with a sample size of 55 respondents. This research instrument using a questionnaire. The statistical test used was the chi square test. The results showed that the knowledge level of the elderly in the working area of ​​the Tarus Public Health Center was mostly (78.2%) good, most (65.5%) had a bad diet and most (90.9%) suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. The results of the chi-square test obtained p value = 0.004 (p <= 0.05), which means that there is a relationship between the level of knowledge and the incidence of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Meanwhile, the dietary pattern with the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis was obtained p value = 0.001 (p <= 0.05), which means that there is a relationship between diet and the incidence of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is hoped that the elderly can maintain and always pay attention to a better and healthier diet so that the elderly are free from Rheumatoid Arthritis disease.   Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Knowledge Level, Diet.