Despite being both familiar with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and at increased risk, first-degree relatives (FDRs) had low knowledge about RA risk factors, a recent study found. A web-based personalized RA education tool, however, successfully increased RA risk factor knowledge. Researchers performed a randomized controlled trial assessing RA educational interventions among 238 FDRs. The web-based Personalized Risk Estimator for RA (PRE-RA) tool displayed personalized RA risk results (genetics, autoantibodies, demographics, and behaviors) and educated about risk factors. Subjects were randomly assigned to: Comparison arm (standard RA education, n=80), PRE-RA arm (PRE-RA alone, n=78), or PRE-RA Plus arm (PRE-RA and a 1-on-1 session with a trained health educator, n=80). The RA Knowledge Score (RAKS) was calculated at baseline and post-education (immediate/6 weeks/6 months/12 months). They found:

• At baseline before education, few FDRs identified behavioral RA risk factors (15.9% for dental health, 31.9% for smoking, 47.5% for overweight/obesity, and 54.2% for diet).
• After education, RAKS increased in all arms, higher in PRE-RA and PRE-RA Plus than Comparison at all post-education points.
• PRE-RA were more likely to identify risk factors than those that received standard education.