Researchers of a cross-sectional study conducted in Denmark used data from the Danish Rheumatology Database to explore illness perceptions among patients with inflammatory arthritis. Recently diagnosed patients completed the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, which assesses their cognitive and emotional views of their illness. The study initially validated the questionnaire through patient interviews, enhancing its ability to accurately reflect patients’ views on their condition’s severity and manageability.
Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, revealed that younger patients, those with lower incomes, and those with higher disease activity tend to have more negative perceptions of their illness, viewing it as more threatening and disruptive. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions in rheumatology to help patients manage their perceptions more effectively. This could potentially improve their treatment outcomes and quality of life through better self-management strategies.
Reference: Lindgren LH, de Thurah A, Thomsen T, et al. Sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with negative illness perception in patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis-a survey based cross-sectional study. Rheumatol Int. 2024. doi: 10.1007/s00296-024-05553-0. Epub ahead of print.
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00296-024-05553-0
