RESEARCH - Fatigue in RA: the role of self-efficacy and problematic social support

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Fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis: the role of self-efficacy and problematic

social support

Authors: Riemsma R.1; Rasker J.1; Taal E.1; Griep E.3; Wouters J.4; Wiegman

O.1

Source: Rheumatology, October 1998, vol. 37, no. 10, pp. 1042-1046(5)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Objective: To examine the relationship of fatigue in people with rheumatoid

arthritis (RA) with self-efficacy, positive and problematic aspects of

social support, and demographic and disease-related variables.

Method: Out-patients with at least 5 yr RA were studied. Fatigue was

measured with a visual analogue scale. Other variables included were:

positive social support [social Support List-Interactions (SSL12-I)] and

problematic social support; self-efficacy towards coping with RA and towards

mobilizing support; health status (Dutch-AIMS2); and laboratory tests:

erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), haemoglobin (Hb) and rheumatoid factor

(RF); and disease duration.

Results: A total of 229 out-patients were included. Fatigue correlated with

all scales of the Dutch-AIMS2: with pain, physical function and affect (P

<0.001). There was no significant correlation with social support, but there

was a highly significant correlation of fatigue with problematic social

support (P <0.001). Both forms of self-efficacy correlated strongly with

fatigue: patients with high self-efficacy expectations towards coping with

RA, and towards mobilizing the social network (P <0.001), had less fatigue.

In the regression analysis to explain the variation in fatigue, only pain,

self-efficacy expectations towards coping with RA, and towards asking for

help and problematic social support remained significant.

Conclusions: Fatigue can to a large extent (37%) be explained by pain,

self-efficacy towards coping with RA, and towards asking for help and

problematic social support. It is known that self-efficacy can be enhanced

by self-management courses and it may thus be possible to improve fatigue.

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/oup/brheum/1998/00000037/00000010/art01042

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