Understanding Body Image in Arthritis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Boyington J.E.A, DeVellis R, Shreffler J, Schoster B, Callahan L.F
Primary Institution: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research
Hypothesis
To examine the psychometric properties of the Arthritis Body Experience Scale (ABES) in a US sample of people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and other rheumatic conditions.
Conclusion
The observed psychometrics indicate the scale usefully assesses body image in populations with arthritis and related conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found a three-factor structure of the ABES, which accounted for 72% of the variance.
- Participants reported various types of arthritis, with 51.3% having osteoarthritis.
- The study used a phone-administered survey to assess body image in arthritis patients.
Takeaway
This study looked at how people with arthritis feel about their bodies and found a new way to measure it, which is important for their health.
Methodology
The ABES was phone-administered to 937 individuals who self-identified as having one or more arthritis conditions, and factor analysis was conducted.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may introduce bias in disease status confirmation.
Limitations
Disease status was self-reported and could not be confirmed, which may limit the validity of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Predominantly female (74.2%) and Caucasian (79.9%), mean age of 61.0 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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