Investigation of the effects of client-centered lifestyle intervention in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis: Randomized controlled study

Basturk, S. (2024). Investigation of the Effects of Client-Centered Lifestyle Intervention in Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Randomized Controlled Study. Doctoral Dissertation, Occupational Therapy Program, Hacettepe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Ankara. This study was designed to examine the impact of Lifestyle Intervention (LI) on individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This program consists of five modules including client-centered occupations, healthy lifestyle habits, protection, participation and evaluation (COHPPE). The study was completed with 33 individuals with RA. The participants were randomly assigned to either the LI (n=17) or the control group (n=16). The intervention group participated in the lifestyle intervention sessions twice a week for four weeks, while the control group received phone calls twice a week for four weeks to monitor their general health status. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Disease Activity Score-28, Visual Analog Scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multidimensional Questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Scale were utilized in the evaluation. Assessments were conducted at baseline, after the intervention, and at a six-month follow-up. In the LI group, significant improvements were observed in occupational performance and satisfaction levels, pain, disease activity, functional health status, mood, fatigue, self- efficacy, and quality of life following the intervention. After the six-month follow-up period, it was observed that enhancements in occupational performance (p=0,014) and satisfaction (p=0,016) levels, pain (p=0,003) and functional health status (p=0,010) persisted, with improvements in other parameters being maintained. Statistically significant changes were not observed in the control group. These findings indicate that LI positively impacts occupational performance, general health status, and quality of life in individuals with RA; however, additional research is necessary to investigate its long-term effects. In conclusion, it is suggested that incorporating LI alongside routine treatments may be beneficial for individuals with RA. Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, occupations, lifestyle, mood, quality of life.