The contribution of disease activity on functional limitations over time through psychological mediators: a 12-month longitudinal study in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

TitleThe contribution of disease activity on functional limitations over time through psychological mediators: a 12-month longitudinal study in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsJang JH, Green CE, Assassi S, Reveille JD, Ward MM, Weisman MH, Nicassio PM
JournalRheumatology (Oxford)
Volume50
Issue11
Pagination2087-92
Date Published2011 Nov
ISSN1462-0332
KeywordsAdaptation, Psychological, Depression, Disability Evaluation, Female, Health Status, Helplessness, Learned, Humans, Internal-External Control, Male, Middle Aged, Prospective Studies, Quality of Life, Severity of Illness Index, Sickness Impact Profile, Spondylitis, Ankylosing, Surveys and Questionnaires
Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To explore whether helplessness, internality and depression would mediate the relationship between disease activity and functional limitations in patients with AS in a 12-month longitudinal study.

METHODS: A total of 294 participants with AS meeting modified New York criteria completed clinical and psychological assessments at 6-month intervals. Psychological measures evaluated helplessness, depression and internality. Path analysis evaluated the direct and indirect effects of baseline disease activity on 12-month functional limitations via the psychological measures of helplessness, internality and depression at 6 months.

RESULTS: Baseline disease activity demonstrated direct and indirect effects on 12-month functional limitations. Helplessness and depression, but not internality, served as mediators of the relationship between disease activity and functional limitations.

CONCLUSION: Higher baseline disease activity predicted greater functional limitations at 12 months through helplessness and depression. Our findings suggest that helplessness and depression may constitute future treatment targets in reducing functional limitations in patients with AS.

DOI10.1093/rheumatology/ker274
Alternate JournalRheumatology (Oxford)
PubMed ID21875876
PubMed Central IDPMC3198906
Grant ListM01-RR00425 / RR / NCRR NIH HHS / United States
P01-AR-052915-01 / AR / NIAMS NIH HHS / United States
/ / Intramural NIH HHS / United States