Psychosocial factors associated with chronic disease self-efficacy in patients with rheumatic diseases

Abstract

Self-efficacy is central to the management of chronic disease. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to identify the influence of optimism, general self-efficacy and perceived social support on self-efficacy for managing chronic disease in patients with rheumatic diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. 113 rheumatic disease patients completed instruments related to chronic disease self-efficacy, general self-efficacy, optimism and negative expectancies, perceived social support and demographic/clinical variables. Results: Optimism, general self-efficacy and perceived social support significantly and positively influence chronic disease self-efficacy. Behavioral, cognitive and affective mechanism of these factors influence on self-efficacy is discussed. Newly diagnosed patients perceived lower competence to manage symptoms and particular the pain. Conclusions: Chronic-disease self-efficacy is influenced by personal (optimism, general self-efficacy) and social factors (supportive social environment) but not by clinical and demographic factors

Keywords

• chronic disease self-efficacy
• rheumatic diseases