Relationships among Arthritis Self-efficacy and Background Characteristics in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: A thorough evaluation of variables related to self-efficacy that are unique to each patient population is an important step for developing self-management interventions. Purpose: To determine factors associated with patient self-efficacy for managing pain and other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data collected for a randomized controlled trial on rheumatoid arthritis conducted from October 2016 to January 2018. A sample of 214 patients was recruited from outpatient rheumatology clinics of one medical center in northern Taiwan. Data included demographic and rheumatoid arthritis-related characteristics and self-report scores for disease activity, health status, health-related quality of life, and arthritis self-efficacy. Results: The mean age of participants was 58.72 years; 86% were female. Hierarchical regression demonstrated predictors of self-efficacy of pain management were a monthly income versus no income, living with other family members, duration (years) of arthritis, and arthritis education/counseling. Health-related quality of life scores for components of physical and mental health were also significant predictors. Predictors of self-efficacy for managing other symptoms were living with other family members in the household, religious beliefs of Buddhism or Taoism vs. none, and physical and mental component scores for health-related quality of life. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Nurses should focus interventions targeted at adults newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, who are living alone, in poor health, and have religious beliefs of Buddhism or Taoism.