Researchers in France have found that people with rheumatic conditions say the condition affects their emotional relationships and sex lives.

It has been reported that lead author Gisela Kobelt, president of Rheumatology, Association Nationale de Defense contre l'Arthrite Rhumatoide in Paris and currently a visiting professor at Lund University in Sweden, said the study involved 1,271 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who averaged 64 years old, with 98 percent getting medical treatment.

It was found by the study that 66 percent of the patients say rheumatoid arthritis symptoms had negatively impacted their sexual relationships, while 40 percent say rheumatoid arthritis was the sole reason for not being sexually active.

The findings also showed that in addition to physical problems, 39 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients report feelings of guilt and frustration.

It has firther been reported that the findings were presented at the annual congress of the European League Against Rheumatism in Rome. (With Inputs from Agencies)