Evaluation of an Arthritis Self-Care Program

Saint Louis University: Prevention Research Center

Topics:
Arthritis

In collaboration with the state health department and the local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, researchers are evaluating a self-care training program, Arthritis Basics for Change (ABC), which is often used in rural settings. This program differs from others in that participants study on their own and do not participate in group support. About 300 people who receive care at one of Missouri’s Regional Arthritis Centers were given the ABC program kit for self-study and are completing questionnaires about how the program affected their levels of pain, depression, arthritis knowledge, self-efficacy, and daily activity. Their responses will be compared with those of 300 people who did not receive the kit. In addition, participants in focus groups are being asked whether the program’s content was useful and relevant and whether the materials were easy to read and understand. If proven effective, the ABC program will be made available to people with arthritis who have limited access to educational programs about self-care.

 

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