The demographic, psychological, social and disease characteristics were analyzed to find the sources of self-efficacy(the expectation about one´s ability to engage in or execute in a behavior) in the 297 patients with rheumtoid arthritis. Except for religion and client´s job, the demographic: characteristics such as age, sex, partner´s job, income, and educatioal level were found to be significantly related to self-efficacy. In the group of older age, female, lower income, job with less prestige, and lower educational level, the self-efficacy was lower than the other group.
Depression which measured as psychological characteristics was significantly related to self-efficacy. Social characteristics, such as social supportand relationship with health professionals, were positively related to self-efficacy except for social network. Getting a high score in the area of relation-ship with health-professionals means that the patients perceive that they can express themselves or decide on their own activities as much as they want.
Among the disease characteristics, only disease duration was not significantly related to self-efficacy. The self-efficacy shows a tendency to de-crease with time. Pain was negatively related to self-efficacy. Possible activity level was positively related to self-efficacy.
To analyze the variables which affect self-efficacy, stepwise regression was implemented. As a result, about 42% of the self-efficacy were explained by possible activity level, depression, social support, and pain in that order.
Based upon these results, it is recommended that the nurses who are in change of or maintain the behavior of patients with rheumatoid arthritis consider the demographic characteristics such as age, sex, et al. Also programs which decrease the pain and depression and increase the social support and activity levels are recommended to be developed.
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