The current status and influencing factors of personal mastery in patients with gout: a cross-sectional study

Personal mastery, defined as an individual's perceived control over life events and environments, plays a significant role in the mental well-being of patients with gout. Our study aimed to assess the level of personal mastery among patients with gout and to analyze its influencing factors. Using convenience sampling, we recruited 234 patients with gout who attended the Shandong Gout Medical Center between October and December 2023. We collected data using the General Information Questionnaire, Personal Mastery Scale, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. We used multiple linear regression analysis to examine the factors influencing personal mastery in patients with gout. The total score of personal mastery was (25.3 ± 3.7) in patients with gout. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that education level (P < 0.001), monthly income (P = 0.019), tophi (P = 0.008), number of comorbidities (P = 0.014), mindfulness (P < 0.001), and pain self-efficacy (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of personal mastery in patients with gout. Patients with gout demonstrated moderate levels of personal mastery. Healthcare providers should give particular attention to those with lower education, reduced income, tophi, and multiple comorbidities. Implement targeted interventions to enhance mindfulness and pain self-efficacy, thereby strengthening patients with gout's personal mastery.