Association of disease severity in the early course of rheumatoid arthritis and locus of control

Abstract

This study examines the applicability of the questionnaire "Fragebogen zur Erhebung von Kontrollüberzeugungen zu Krankheit und Gesundheit - KKG" to patients with early course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or undifferentiated Arthritis (uA), and the relationship between the severity of the disease and locus of control by controlling for socio-demographic variables and personality characteristics. 326 patients with early RA or uA with a disease duration of less than 12 months (mean disease duration 6 months +/- 3.5, mean age 53 +/- 14) were assessed. Full clinical investigations were performed and patients questionnaires were administered at the outset of the study (T1), after 12 months (T2) and after 24 months (T3). The factor-solution of the KKG-questionnaire in patients with early course of RA/uA is not different from healthy controls. A marked influence on coping types can be demonstrated for the covariates sex, age, cognitive components of anxiety and the severity of RA. These results should be considered in education programs for RA applying special techniques of behaviour therapy. Such interventions in the early phase of RA might lead to a reduction of cognitive anxiety and thus to more active coping in patients with RA.