Illness Perception and Coping Strategies in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between ill ness perception and coping strategies in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. It was conducted by survey and cross-sectional methods. Data was collected from 146 outpatients with confirmed RA who were admitted by two centers of RA between 27th July and 27th August 2005 in Isfahan. These patients were selected by stratified sampling. They then responded to Standardized Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ) and Coping strategies Questionnaire (CSQ). The results showed significant correlation between illness perception and coping strategies، and among some components of coping strategies and illness perception. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that components of illness perception explained 9. 2% of the variance of coping strategies. The present study confirmed the validity of Self-Regulation Model in explanation and prediction of RA patient''s illness behavior and their coping strategies with RA.