Change in knowledge and self‐efficacy of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A six‐month follow‐up study

The purpose of this study was to examine rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients' knowledge of the disease and its treatments and their self‐efficacy changed in a 6‐month period. The data were collected from 223 RA patients during August 2004–March 2005 using self‐administered questionnaires. The main finding was that the patients' knowledge of exercise, joint protection and energy conservation increased and their self‐efficacy strengthened over the 6‐month period. However, the RA patients' general knowledge of the disease (e.g. of its aetiology) decreased significantly. Weak relationships exist between the patients' self‐efficacy and their knowledge of exercise, joint protection and energy conservation. The patients who had follow‐up visits during the 6‐month period had slightly better knowledge levels, but their pain and other symptoms self‐efficacy was weaker. It is important that nurses encourage patients to seek clarification of any unclear issues concerning their disease, and concentrate on supporting those patients whose self‐efficacy is weak.