Coping with osteoarthritis by older adults

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Psychology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
• Understanding coping mechanisms is crucial for managing chronic conditions like OA.
• Existing coping models for rheumatoid arthritis may be applicable to OA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and validate a coping model for patients with osteoarthritis (OA).
• To investigate the relationship between appraisal of OA intensity, coping strategies, and the impact on patients' well-being.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 82 older adults with OA.
• Assessment of OA appraisal, active/passive coping, and impact on pain, mood, and affective status over 4 months.
• Statistical analysis controlling for demographic and medical variables.

Main Results:

• Higher perceived OA intensity correlated with increased passive coping and negative mood.
• Active coping predicted better affective status; passive coping predicted worsening negative mood.
• No significant association found between appraisal/coping and pain or positive mood.

Conclusions:

• Reducing perceived OA intensity may decrease reliance on detrimental passive coping strategies.
• Interventions should target both appraisal of OA and coping strategies for improved outcomes.
• The study supports adapting coping models across different arthritis types.