The impact of social frailty and physical function on laughter frequency in rheumatoid arthritis patients: data from a multicenter observational study (T-FLAG).

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between laughter frequency, disease activity, physical function, and frailty in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods: A total of 679 consecutive RA patients from a multicenter observational study conducted in 2023 were included. Laughter frequency was assessed using a standardized questionnaire, and patients were divided into the following four laughter frequency groups: 'almost every day,' '1-5 days per week,' '1-3 days per month,' and 'never or almost never.' Patient characteristics for each frequency group were compared by analysis of variance. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with frequent laughter.

Results: Laughter frequency was 'almost every day' in 48.6% of patients, '1-5 days per week' in 34.7%, '1-3 days per month' in 9.9%, and 'almost never' in 6.8%. Laughter frequency was significantly associated with the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and social frailty. However, no significant correlation was observed between laughter frequency and disease activity. Patients with social frailty laughed less frequently than those without, and higher HAQ-DI scores were associated with less frequent laughter.

Conclusion: Laughter frequency in RA patients is more strongly influenced by physical function and social frailty than by disease activity.