The Effectiveness of Integrated Treatment Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Positivity on Adherence to Treatment and Life Expectancy of Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Single Subject Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune disease with variable and inflammatory clinical symptoms that causes pain, dryness, and reduced joint function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of integrated treatment based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and positivity on adherence to treatment and life expectancy of women with RA.

In the present study, a single-case experimental design of the asynchronous multiple baseline type was used. The statistical population of the study included all women with RA in Khorramabad, Iran. The sample included 3 people who were selected by convenience sampling from among the affected women. Integrated treatment protocol based on ACT and positivity was performed during three stages of baseline, 10 sessions of 90-minute intervention, and three-stage follow-up, and the subjects responded to the adherence to treatment and life expectancy scales.

The data were analyzed using visual drawing, reliable change index (RCI), and percentage change formula. Results of the study showed that the mean improvement of adherence to treatment variable in the post-treatment stage in the three patients was 62.7% and in follow-up was 60.5%; for the life expectancy variable in the post-treatment stage, the mean of all three was 53.3% and the follow-up mean was 51.03%.

Integrated treatment based on ACT and positivity has been effective on treatment adherence and life expectancy of affected women. Therefore, it is suggested to use this treatment to increase compliance with treatment and life expectancy in these patients.