Nurse Counseling Based on Planned Behavior Theory in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Recent advancements in the treatment of rheumatological diseases have been significant. However, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) continue to struggle with symptom management. Given the critical role of nursing in providing personalized care, integrating theoretical frameworks can be highly beneficial. These frameworks allow nurses to effectively guide patients' health behaviors and improve their self-management skills.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nursing counseling based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on pain, fatigue, and functional status in RA patients.

This is a randomized controlled trial.

Between January and July 2022, a randomized controlled trial was conducted at a university hospital's rheumatology outpatient clinic in southern Turkey. The study included 90 RA patients (45 in the intervention group and 45 in the control group). However, 82 patients completed the study. The intervention group received education based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and three months of telephone nursing counseling. The control group received routine follow-up. The study included pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up assessments.

After analyzing the data, significant improvements were found in the pain (11.49 ± 6.76) fatigue (19.63 ± 11.39), and functional status (0.82 ± 0.44) of patients in the intervention group (p = .001). Compared to the control group, Theory of planned behavior-based nursing counseling was found to have positive effects on these parameters. Additionally, it was reported that the intervention group patients showed improved adherence to treatment and better overall health status.

Nurse counseling based on the Theory of Planned Behavior has been found effective in improving pain, fatigue, and functional status management, as well as adaptation to the disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.