Learned Helplessness to Predict Regular Physical Activity among Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Purpose: Regular physical activity is beneficial in reducing disease activity and morbidity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purposes of this study were to examine the levels of regular physical activity and learned helplessness and to identify factors influencing in participation in regular physical activity in RA patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 210 RA patients in a university-affiliated hospital. Participants completed a questionnaire including demographic and disease-related characteristics, physical activity and learned helplessness. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, x2 tests, t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: About 23% of RA patients engaged in at least 30 minutes of regular physical activity per week. Patients with being older (OR=1.09, 95%CI=1.03~ 1.14), no employment status (OR=0.17, 95% CI=0.07~0.42), and lower levels of learned helplessness (OR=0.58, 95% CI=0.34~0.96) had significantly higher chance of engaging in regular physical activity. Conclusion: In developing nursing interventions to promote regular physical activity in RA patients, their learned helplessness should be considered.