Effects of educational materials concerning osteoporosis on women's knowledge, beliefs, and behavior.

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of brief written educational materials on osteoporosis-related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors. The study also examined whether observed effects varied as a function of one's stage in the precaution adoption process. DESIGN: The study used an experimental research design. SETTING: Participants were identified from North Carolina driver's license records. SUBJECTS: Of the 1476 women in the initial sample, 536 (36.3%) enrolled in the study and 307 completed all follow-up assessments. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups. One group received an information packet containing general information about osteoporosis. One group received an action plan packet containing instructions on how to increase one's level of exercise and calcium intake. One group received both packets. The final group received neither packet. MEASURES: Primary study variables were beliefs related to osteoporosis, calcium, and exercise; osteoporosis knowledge; calcium and exercise stage; calcium intake; and exercise level. RESULTS: Overall, receipt of the information packet was associated with changes in knowledge and beliefs (F[18,283] = 2.11, p < .01) irrespective of participants' stage of change. No effects on behavior were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that brief written educational materials can facilitate knowledge and belief change but that they do not promote behavior change. The generalizability of these findings is limited by the low study response rate.

Osteoporosis prevention in premenopausal women: using a stage model approach to examine the predictors of behavior.

The precaution adoption process model was used to examine the predictors of 2 behaviors recommended to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis: calcium consumption and weight-bearing exercise. A total of 452 premenopausal women completed a mailed questionnaire assessing stage in the precaution adoption process and 12 knowledge and attitudinal variables. Participants were also given an opportunity to request information about osteoporosis. In all, 11 of the 12 knowledge and attitudinal variables were associated with calcium stage; 8 were associated with exercise stage. Information requests were associated with both calcium and exercise stage. Findings provide substantial support for the precaution adoption process model and suggest that the model can be usefully applied in this area to increase understanding of why many women do not practice behaviors that could reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis.

The relationship between coping and psychological well-being among people with osteoarthritis: a problem-specific approach.

We examined the strategies that people with osteoarthritis (OA) use to cope with illness-related problems in four areas: household activities, leisure activities, pain management, and social relationships. We also examined the relationship between the coping strategies participants reported using upon entry to the study (Time 1) and psychological well-being reported six months later. Three hundred people, aged 50 and over, with OA participated in the study. Data were collected via two mailed questionnaires, administered at six-month intervals. We found that two of the coping strategies examined, self-criticism and social withdrawal, were used more frequently for social relationship problems than for any of the other three types of problems. None of the other coping strategies (i.e. problem solving, cognitive restructuring, social support, emotional expression, problem avoidance, turning to religion, information seeking) were used differentially across problem areas. Multivariate analyses revealed that the coping strategies people used at Time 1 significantly predicted psychological well-being, as assessed by measures of positive affect, negative affect, and depressive symptoms, six months later. However, the specific strategies that predicted positive affect were different from those that predicted negative affect and depressive symptoms. Implications of these findings for future research on coping with chronic illness are discussed.

Appraisal of and coping with arthritis-related problems in household activities, leisure activities, and pain management.

PURPOSE: We examined whether or not there are systematic differences in how people appraise different types of illness-related problems and in how they cope with these problems. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-five adults with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis completed a mailed questionnaire followed by a telephone interview. A series of stress appraisal and coping variables were assessed in relation to three areas: household activities, leisure activities, and pain management. RESULTS: Pain differed significantly from household and leisure activities with regard to several appraisal and coping variables. Participants reported the least control over problems with pain, while attaching the most importance to pain control. Leisure activities also stood out as unique on several variables. Participants perceived greater ability and were more satisfied with their ability in relation to leisure activities. CONCLUSION: These findings show that, at least early in the disease, appraisal and coping strategies differ across the areas of household activities, leisure activities, and pain management.

Psychological well-being among people with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. Do self-perceptions of abilities make a difference?

OBJECTIVE: Satisfaction with abilities and perceived importance of abilities are 2 factors involved in the process of self-evaluation. We examined the role that these factors play in adjustment to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Data were collected, via telephone interview and mailed questionnaire, from 234 individuals with recently diagnosed RA. Disease severity information was obtained from participants' physicians. RESULTS: Consistent with study hypotheses, satisfaction was associated with psychological well-being only among those who viewed as very important the abilities being evaluated. CONCLUSION: These findings increase understanding of the conditions under which low levels of satisfaction are likely to be associated with psychological distress.