Psychosocial Adaptation of Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Focusing on Physical Disability and Social Support

류마티스 관절염 여성의 심리사회적 적응 - 신체적 기능장애와 사회적 지지를 중심으로 -

Purpose: To describe the psychosocial adaptation, physical disability and social support, and to examine whether the physical disability and social support influence the psychosocial adaptation of women with Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA). Method: This survey was conducted with 102 women diagnosed as RA using a structured survey tool between April 12th and 30th 2004. Results: The Physical disability ranged from 0 to 51, the average was 9.89(${\pm}12.15$), appearing that less severe than previous studies. The social support ranged from 29 to 168, and the average was 91.73(${\pm}31.44$). The age, marital status, and monthly income were associated with patient's perceived social support. The psychosocial adaptation ranged from 77 to 186 and the average was 132.12(${\pm}24.13$). Entering physical disability and social support into the model significantly improved the prediction of psychosocial adaptation: 45.1% of the variance of psychosocial adaptation was attributed by the physical disability (Beta=-.325) and the social support (Beta=.204). Additionally, the religion (Beta=.231) and monthly income (Beta=.381) were significant predictors of the psychosocial adaptation. Conclusions: (1) Programs to improve physical disability of the clients are needed. (2) Marital status and age should be considered when the programs are developed. (3) More social support should be provided to the women with RA. (4) Adequate financial support is essential for the psychosocial adaptation of women with RA.