Structural Equation Modeling on Health-related Quality of Life of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Background: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive, and inflammatory disease. The objective of this study was to construct a hypothetical model to determine factors affecting health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of AS patients (ASHRQOL). Methods: A survey was conducted on 275 patients who visited Chonnam National University Bitgoeul Hospital. Data of different variables were collected over two months in 2015. Results: A hypothetical model did not reach recommended level of fit verification. Therefore, health perception vari-able was eliminated on theoretical basis. Path between function and HRQOL was added after eliminating unimportant path before completing the final modified model. Conclusion: The final revised model met recommended levels of fit test except AGFI. The model explained 57.6% of ASQOL. Further study is needed to develop efficient interventional strategy for improving ASHRQOL.