Article

The aim of the study was to examine whether rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
patients with different levels of restriction in social participation differ in
disease related as well as psychosocial variables and whether a similar pattern
can be found among early and established RA patients. METHOD: Two samples of RA
patients with early (n = 97;
age = 53 +/- 12.3 years; disease duration = 2.8 +/-
1.2 years; 76% women) and established (n = 143; age = 58 +/- 10.3 years; disease
duration = 16.1 +/- 3.6 years; 86% women) were collected. The pattern of
differences for the patients with different level of participation restriction
(no restriction, mild, moderate or high restriction) was explored by the
Jonckheere-Terpstra test. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between
patients with different levels of social participation restrictions in both
samples in pain, fatigue, functional disability, anxiety, depression and mastery.
Generally, it was found that patients with higher restrictions experienced more
pain and fatigue, more anxiety and depression and reported lower mastery. Similar
pattern of differences concerning disease activity and self-esteem was found
mainly in the established group. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the level of
perceived restrictions in social participation are highly relevant regarding the
disease related variables such as pain, fatigue and functional disability as well
as psychological status and personal resources in both early and established RA.
Implications for Rehabilitation Supporting involvement and participation of
individuals with rheumatoid arthritis is important for decreasing the impact of
RA symptoms on everyday life. Recognition and empowerment of individual resources
such a mastery and self-esteem of RA patients could be beneficial for overcoming
restrictions in participation.

Langue : ANGLAIS