Long-Term Effect of a Tablet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Group Intervention on Step Count, Fatigue, Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Arthritis: A Pilot Study.

Abstract

To evaluate the long-term effect of a tablet-based, cognitive-behavioral group intervention (Tab-G) to improve daily walking for older adults with arthritis. Using an experimental pretest/posttest repeated measure design, long-term effects on step count, fatigue, self-efficacy, and quality of life (QOL) were investigated. Results of repeated measures analysis of variance showed significant improvement in step counts (F[1, 37] = 4.18, p = 0.048), fatigue (F[1, 36] = 9.971, p = 0.003), self-efficacy (F[1,28] = 4.645, p = 0.04), and QOL (F[1, 29] = 6.147, p = 0.019) in the Tab-G group compared to the control group. There were significant time effects across four time points (baseline and Weeks 4, 8, and 10) in fatigue (F[3, 108] = 5.43, p = 0.002), self-efficacy (F[3, 84] = 5.433, p = 0.002), and QOL (F[3, 87] = 3.673, p = 0.015), but not in step counts (F[3, 111] = 0.611, p = 0.609). Findings demonstrate positive long-term effects on fatigue in older adults with arthritis. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(5), 35-42.].