Efficacy of Stress Management Intervention on Psychological, Immune Factors and Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Objective: In this survey, the intervention of cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) on psychological and immune indices and pain in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis is studied. Method: Statistical population of the study consisted of patients who referred to the rheumatology clinics in the northern parts of Tehran. 44 participants aged 25–60 using purposive sampling in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria selected and in two groups of 22 individuals were examined. Psychological, immune and pain evaluation tests of depression, anxiety and stress scale, blood sample, and McGill pain inventory were conducted in two stages of pretest and posttest using multiple covariance analysis. Results: The results showed a significant effect of the stress management intervention on depression (F1,37= 4/318, P= 0/046, η2 =0/104) among patients with RA. The use of this intervention was effective in reducing the immune parameter (CRP) (F1,38= 17/593, P= 0/001, η2 =0/316) and their pain (F1,39= 4/885, P= 0/033, η2 =0/111). Conclusion: According to the results, employing this method for RA patients is very helpful and it can be suggested for improving their psychological and physical conditions.