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Predicting functional status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
M Scharloo1, A A Kaptein, J A Weinman
1Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands. akaptein@pobox.leidenuniv.nl
The Journal of Rheumatology
|August 18, 1999
Summary
Coping strategies and illness perceptions significantly impact rheumatoid arthritis (RA) outcomes, including disease progression and patient well-being. Understanding these factors can guide better patient management strategies for rheumatoid arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Psychology
- Health Outcomes Research
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease impacting joint health and overall quality of life.
- Patient-reported outcomes in RA are influenced by a complex interplay of disease activity, treatment, and psychosocial factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive value of coping strategies and illness perceptions on health outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- To identify specific cognitive and behavioral factors that influence the course of rheumatoid arthritis over time.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study design involving 71 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Data collection occurred at two time points, one year apart, utilizing multiple regression analyses.
- Outcome variables included healthcare utilization (outpatient visits, hospital admissions) and patient-reported measures (pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, functional disability).
Main Results:
- Belief in adverse disease consequences correlated with increased outpatient visits, fatigue, and anxiety.
- Lower perceived control and emotional expression were linked to higher hospital admission rates.
- Certain coping strategies, such as fostering reassuring thoughts and passive coping, were associated with greater functional disability and anxiety.
- Perceived symptom severity predicted increased pain, fatigue, and depression.
- Avoidant coping strategies were associated with increased fatigue, and a long-duration illness perception predicted higher anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Coping strategies and illness perceptions are significant contributors to health outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), independent of medical variables.
- These findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological and cognitive factors in the comprehensive management of rheumatoid arthritis.
- The study suggests potential targets for interventions aimed at improving patient outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis.