British Journal of Health Psychology, 12(3), September 2007, pp.323-345.
Publisher:
Wiley
Using the transactional model of stress and coping, the present study investigated whether specific coping resources act as buffers of the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A longitudinal observational study was carried out with assessments at baseline, 6 months and 1 year. Measures of perceived stress, coping resources
Using the transactional model of stress and coping, the present study investigated whether specific coping resources act as buffers of the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A longitudinal observational study was carried out with assessments at baseline, 6 months and 1 year. Measures of perceived stress, coping resources (optimism/pessimism, social support and explicit active coping strategies) and psychological well-being (anxiety, depression and life satisfaction) were completed by 134 RA patients recruited from outpatient clinics of two NHS trusts in the UK. Demographics, RA duration, pain, fatigue, functional disability, antidepressant use and physical comorbidities were recorded and statistically controlled for. Perceived stress had the strongest relationship with psychological well-being at baseline, and affected anxiety after 6 months. Optimism and pessimism predicted psychological well-being across 1 year. Active behavioural coping buffered an association of stress with depression at baseline, while baseline active cognitive coping buffered the effect of baseline stress on life satisfaction after 6 months. Patients with RA under greater perceived stress who do not use active coping strategies appear to be at risk of psychological comorbidity and may therefore benefit from interventions teaching specific active coping strategies. Larger observational studies and interventions are required to confirm and extend these findings.
Aging and Mental Health, 11(1), January 2007, pp.89-98.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Improving the psychological well-being of individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) is an important concern because the condition is highly prevalent and has no known cure. Few studies have assessed the joint contribution of social, personality, and physical factors in relation to well-being for OA patients. In a cross-sectional sample of older adults with OA (n=73, 73% female), we assessed the role of support perceptions, optimism and pain in depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Greater optimism and support were significantly related to both greater life satisfaction and lower depressive symptoms. Further, optimism partially mediated the relationship of pain to life satisfaction, while support partially mediated the role of pain in depressive symptoms. The interplay of these variables in relation to well-being is discussed in the context of chronic illness and older adulthood.
Improving the psychological well-being of individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) is an important concern because the condition is highly prevalent and has no known cure. Few studies have assessed the joint contribution of social, personality, and physical factors in relation to well-being for OA patients. In a cross-sectional sample of older adults with OA (n=73, 73% female), we assessed the role of support perceptions, optimism and pain in depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Greater optimism and support were significantly related to both greater life satisfaction and lower depressive symptoms. Further, optimism partially mediated the relationship of pain to life satisfaction, while support partially mediated the role of pain in depressive symptoms. The interplay of these variables in relation to well-being is discussed in the context of chronic illness and older adulthood.
Subject terms:
older people, pain, adults, arthritis, bone diseases, depression;
British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(3), March 2006, pp.98-105.
Publisher:
Sage
The objective of this study was to explore the prevocational needs of adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) from the occupational therapists' perspective and to examine the role of occupational therapy in addresssing these issues. Data was collected via a questionnaire that was distributed to members of occupational therapy organizations (n=494). The outcome measures were
The objective of this study was to explore the prevocational needs of adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) from the occupational therapists' perspective and to examine the role of occupational therapy in addresssing these issues. Data was collected via a questionnaire that was distributed to members of occupational therapy organizations (n=494). The outcome measures were the perceived importance of addressing prevocational issues for adolescents with JIA and the respondents' knowledge, confidence and perceived role. The questionnaires were completed by 175 individuals. The results indicated that although the resppondents felt that their profession was apropriate to deal with such issues, they had limited knowledge and confidence to do so. This study highlighted the need for training in the area of vocational rehabilitation within adolescent rheumatology.
Subject terms:
needs, user views, young people, arthritis, educational performance, employment;
British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(1), January 2005, pp.25-33.
Publisher:
Sage
Researchers must disseminate findings, but this alone is often insufficient to change practice. To improve research implementation by rheumatology occupational therapists a 2-day training course for changing joint protection practice was developed aiming to improve understanding of joint protection, patient education and health behaviour research; develop skills in delivering a group joint protection programme; and reduce potential barriers to changing practice. To evaluate effectiveness a postal survey was conducted. Of 48 respondents, 45 subsequently changed individual patient education practice; 13 implemented the group programme; 25 contemplated doing so and 10 did not (precontemplators). Implementers and contemplators rated the joint protection programme significantly more effective and relevant in practice than the precontemplators. Barriers to change were limited staffing, access to facilities, time to make practice changes, funding for programme costs and clinical time to deliver the programme. Implementers considered that supportive managers and teams helped overcome these. Changing practice needs clinicians, researchers and managers to work together. This research implementation strategy helped most participating clinicians make practice changes that were readily within their control (individual patient education). Group education requires greater organisational change and manager support is important to facilitate this.
Researchers must disseminate findings, but this alone is often insufficient to change practice. To improve research implementation by rheumatology occupational therapists a 2-day training course for changing joint protection practice was developed aiming to improve understanding of joint protection, patient education and health behaviour research; develop skills in delivering a group joint protection programme; and reduce potential barriers to changing practice. To evaluate effectiveness a postal survey was conducted. Of 48 respondents, 45 subsequently changed individual patient education practice; 13 implemented the group programme; 25 contemplated doing so and 10 did not (precontemplators). Implementers and contemplators rated the joint protection programme significantly more effective and relevant in practice than the precontemplators. Barriers to change were limited staffing, access to facilities, time to make practice changes, funding for programme costs and clinical time to deliver the programme. Implementers considered that supportive managers and teams helped overcome these. Changing practice needs clinicians, researchers and managers to work together. This research implementation strategy helped most participating clinicians make practice changes that were readily within their control (individual patient education). Group education requires greater organisational change and manager support is important to facilitate this.
British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(7), July 2003, pp.303-310.
Publisher:
Sage
This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions of play and leisure in junior school aged children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Twelve children between the ages of 7 years and 11 years were interviewed in order to uncover the barriers to engagement in play and leisure and to consider the implications for occupational therapy. The results showed that all children, regardless
This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions of play and leisure in junior school aged children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Twelve children between the ages of 7 years and 11 years were interviewed in order to uncover the barriers to engagement in play and leisure and to consider the implications for occupational therapy. The results showed that all children, regardless of disease activity, reported difficulty in engaging in play and leisure activities. The symptoms of the disease, the treatment regimes and their side-effects, and psychosocial factors were all reported to affect play and leisure experiences. The children also reported that play behaviours were often restricted by parents, friends and school personnel. Fear of damage and unclear communication about the effects of activity also resulted in self-imposed restrictions, which further limited play experiences. Although the children reported a number of coping strategies to deal with these difficulties, they reported more indoor play and engagement in sedentary activities which often gave rise to feelings of being different, sadness and loneliness.
Subject terms:
leisure, play, school children, user views, arthritis, children, coping behaviour;
British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(7), July 2003, pp.297-302.
Publisher:
Sage
Reports on a study to gain a greater understanding of the impact of chronic arthritis on the functional ability of women, the strategies that they use to maintain their function and the integration of these strategies into their lifestyles. A qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews, personal diaries and focus groups. Twelve women with chronic arthritis participated over use, the personal connotations of being a recipient of assistance and the need to negotiate levels of assistance with other family members. Insights into the women's use of assistance have the potential to inform the way in which this strategy is approached in educational programmes and also highlight the need to address how people with chronic arthritis communicate their need for assistance
Reports on a study to gain a greater understanding of the impact of chronic arthritis on the functional ability of women, the strategies that they use to maintain their function and the integration of these strategies into their lifestyles. A qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews, personal diaries and focus groups. Twelve women with chronic arthritis participated over a period of 2 years. All the interviews and focus group discussions were transcribed and coded. The data analysis involved the development of a thematic framework to identify recurring themes and their relationships. The negotiation and use of personal assistance emerged as an important strategy used by the women. It was highlighted as a complex strategy owing to the number of factors influencing its use, the personal connotations of being a recipient of assistance and the need to negotiate levels of assistance with other family members. Insights into the women's use of assistance have the potential to inform the way in which this strategy is approached in educational programmes and also highlight the need to address how people with chronic arthritis communicate their need for assistance and negotiate help within the family.
Subject terms:
mobility impairment, women, activities of daily living, arthritis, carers, families;
This guide describes how link workers and social prescribing services can support people with Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. The term musculoskeletal conditions includes a broad range of health conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles and spine. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness and a loss of mobility and dexterity. Social prescribers have the potential to make a big difference to the lives of people with MSK conditions. Some social prescribing services have a specific offer for people with MSK conditions. This resource is aimed at social prescribers without a specific MSK service to help them use social prescribing to make a difference. It covers: self-managing MSK conditions; mental health; work and education; accessing community assets.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This guide describes how link workers and social prescribing services can support people with Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. The term musculoskeletal conditions includes a broad range of health conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles and spine. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness and a loss of mobility and dexterity. Social prescribers have the potential to make a big difference to the lives of people with MSK conditions. Some social prescribing services have a specific offer for people with MSK conditions. This resource is aimed at social prescribers without a specific MSK service to help them use social prescribing to make a difference. It covers: self-managing MSK conditions; mental health; work and education; accessing community assets.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
arthritis, back injuries, traumas, social prescribing, service brokerage, asset based approach, strengths-based approach, self care;
Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 18(2), 2017, pp.87-92.
Publisher:
Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the concepts of social isolation and loneliness in relation to people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Through these concepts, biological, psychological and social factors will be examined to consider how we can identify people at risk of social isolation and loneliness who have chronic musculoskeletal pain and then how health professionals may intervene to reduce their effects.
Design/methodology/approach: Conceptual paper.
Findings: Social isolation and loneliness are often evident in the situation of people with chronic musculoskeletal diseases. This may be bi-directional where pains may lead to social isolation and loneliness, but equally, social isolation and loneliness may exacerbate pain. Interventions to improve the symptoms of chronic musculoskeletal pain, and also approaches around social participation and engagement should be adopted in combination to ameliorate this potentially disabling scenario.
Originality/value: There remains limited evidence around the prevalence and management of social isolation and loneliness for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. By raising awareness of social isolation and loneliness in this population, people with chronic musculoskeletal pain may be better supported to reduce the negative impact that social isolation and loneliness can have on their health and well-being.
(Publisher abstract)
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the concepts of social isolation and loneliness in relation to people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Through these concepts, biological, psychological and social factors will be examined to consider how we can identify people at risk of social isolation and loneliness who have chronic musculoskeletal pain and then how health professionals may intervene to reduce their effects.
Design/methodology/approach: Conceptual paper.
Findings: Social isolation and loneliness are often evident in the situation of people with chronic musculoskeletal diseases. This may be bi-directional where pains may lead to social isolation and loneliness, but equally, social isolation and loneliness may exacerbate pain. Interventions to improve the symptoms of chronic musculoskeletal pain, and also approaches around social participation and engagement should be adopted in combination to ameliorate this potentially disabling scenario.
Originality/value: There remains limited evidence around the prevalence and management of social isolation and loneliness for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. By raising awareness of social isolation and loneliness in this population, people with chronic musculoskeletal pain may be better supported to reduce the negative impact that social isolation and loneliness can have on their health and well-being.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
depression, loneliness, social isolation, pain, mobility impairment, arthritis, risk, intervention;
British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(7), July 2012, pp.313-320.
Publisher:
Sage
This study compared women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the normal population in order to assess whether participation in committed activities (those they were obliged to perform) or discretionary activities (those for recreation and pleasure) were associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It also looked at whether there have been changes over the last ten years. The study
This study compared women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the normal population in order to assess whether participation in committed activities (those they were obliged to perform) or discretionary activities (those for recreation and pleasure) were associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It also looked at whether there have been changes over the last ten years. The study involved 238 females with RA living in Norway (mean age 57.4 years, mean duration of disease 15 years). Self-reported participation in activities was measured by the Interest Checklist divided into committed and discretionary activities for the past 10 years, the previous year and present. HRQoL was measured by the Short-Form 36. There was a significant decrease in participation in both committed and discretionary activities over the 10-year period for women with RA. High participation in committed activities was significantly associated with good physical function, whereas high participation in discretionary activities was associated with both psychological wellbeing and good physical function. Higher education was associated with high participation in activities, particularly in discretionary activities. The authors suggest that it is important for occupational therapists and other health professionals to assist females with RA, and especially those with less education, to maintain essential discretionary activities because this is associated with psychological wellbeing.
Subject terms:
leisure activities, occupational therapy, participation, quality of life, women, activities of daily living, arthritis, educational performance;