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Effects of a Smartphone App-Based Intervention on Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Management Efficacy: A Randomized
Jung-Hua Shao1, Kuang-Hui Yu2, Yi-Chun Kao3
1PhD, RN, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan; and Associate Research Fellow, Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan.
The Journal of Nursing Research : JNR
|November 8, 2024
Summary
A smartphone app improved rheumatoid arthritis self-management and pain self-efficacy in a pilot study. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm effectiveness and generalizability.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Digital Health
- Health Behavior
Background:
- Traditional rheumatoid arthritis self-management programs face accessibility limitations.
- Smartphone applications offer a potential solution to improve patient engagement and adherence.
- Developing effective digital tools is crucial for managing chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone app for rheumatoid arthritis self-management.
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile health intervention for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- To determine if a smartphone app can enhance self-efficacy and self-management behaviors in adults with rheumatoid arthritis.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial with 46 adult rheumatoid arthritis patients was conducted.
- Participants were assigned to either a smartphone app intervention group or a control group.
- Outcomes were measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks using generalized estimating equations.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed significant improvements in pain self-efficacy and self-management behavior compared to the control group.
- App usability was generally high, with participants finding it acceptable and easy to use.
- Technological challenges impacted usability for some participants, highlighting areas for improvement.
Conclusions:
- The smartphone app demonstrated potential in improving pain self-efficacy and self-management behaviors for rheumatoid arthritis.
- The study's findings are limited by a small sample size due to pandemic restrictions and technological barriers.
- Future research should focus on larger sample sizes and strategies to overcome technological challenges for wider app generalizability.
