K Benyon et al. Coping strategies and self-efficacy as predictors of outcome in osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Musculoskeletal Care, October 20, 2010.

Benyon and colleagues reviewed the literature, investigating the prognostic value of self-efficacy and coping strategies used by adults with osteoarthritis (OA) recruited within the community or primary care. An online electronic search was performed from inception to August 2009, using EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE databases. A search of keywords and key authors was performed to find related articles, and experts in the field were contacted to identify additional literature. Three reviewers blindly assessed the quality of the included studies, using pre-determined criteria. Data on coping strategies and self-efficacy were extracted and tabulated. Eight studies were identified and included in this review. Six of the papers were rated as being of acceptable methodological quality. Strong evidence was identified for the role of self-efficacy in predicting disability, but no evidence was found for the relationship between self-efficacy and pain. Although problem-solving coping had no effect on pain, there was weak evidence that active coping strategies predict increased pain and worsened mood. There was also weak evidence demonstrating that problem avoidance, wishful thinking, social withdrawal, self-criticism, and turning to religion are predictors of depressed mood. This review also presents evidence for catastrophizing, self-efficacy, and passive coping strategies as predictors of mood.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: Coping strategies and self-efficacy are important prognostic factors for people with OA. The review highlights the need for further research to ascertain the predictive values of coping strategies that, to date, have been less well investigated. This may, in turn, result in a better understanding of the role of coping in OA and enable clinicians and patients to manage the condition more effectively.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE CONSUMER: Coping and self-efficacy are important predictors of the self-management of any chronic condition. This is also the case for osteoarthritis and other arthritic conditions.