A goal management intervention for patients with polyarthritis and elevated levels of depressive symptoms: a quasiexperimental study

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Abstract
Purpose: Goal was to establish whether an intervention that aims to increase goal management competencies is effective in decreasing elevated levels of depressive symptoms and increasing well-being in patients with polyarthritis. Materials and methods: Eighty-five persons with polyarthritis and elevated levels of depressive symptoms participated in the goal management intervention consisting of six group-based meetings. A quasiexperimental design with baseline measurement, follow-up at 6 months and a reference group of 151 patients from an observational study was applied. Primary outcome was depression; secondary outcomes were anxiety, purpose in life, positive affect, satisfaction with participation, goal management strategies, and arthritis self-efficacy. A linear mixed model procedure was applied to evaluate changes in outcomes. Results: No improvement was found for depressive symptoms and no changes were found for the secondary outcomes, except for positive affect that improved in the intervention group. This increase was mediated by an increase in goal adjustment. Furthermore, goal maintenance decreased and self-efficacy for other symptoms increased in the intervention group. Conclusion: This study indicates that interventions designed to aid patients with arthritis with goal management skills are potentially helpful for increasing positive affect, although further studies are needed.
Funding Information
  • Stichting Reumaonderzoek Twente

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