Long-Term Effects of the Self-Help Program for Arthritis Patients

관절염 환자를 위한 자조관리과정의 장기효과 연구

The purpose of this study was to identify the long-term effects of the self-help program for arthritis patients. The subjects were 126 patients who have participated in the 6-week self-help program from 1997 to 2000, agreed to participate in this study by telephone interview and responded the mailed questionnaires. The measurement tools of this study were all self-reported questionnaires such as Numerical Pain Rating Scale, the number of pain sites, Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire, Numerical Fatigue Rating Scale, CES-D depression scale, Self-efficacy scale, Social support scale. The repeated measure ANOVA revealed the significant differences among the pre post follow-up pain and fatigue. Whileas there were no significant differences the pre post follow-up pain site and physical functioning. And there were also no significant differences the pain, pain site, fatigue and physical functioning among three groups according to the duration of follow-up. These results suggested that the follow-up program after the self-help program was completed would be helpful for the physical wellbeing of arthritis patients.