The possession of assistive devices is related to improved psychological well-being in patients with rheumatic conditions

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the possession of assistive devices and psychological well-being in patients with rheumatic conditions. METHODS: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were selected from rheumatology outpatient clinics in 2 adjacent regions in The Netherlands and Germany. A total of 142 patients completed a questionnaire on the possession of assistive devices and psychological well-being. Questions on sociodemographics, clinical status, and health status were included. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the unique association between the number of assistive devices per patient and psychological well-being, controlling for confounding variables. RESULTS: Univariately, the number of assistive devices per patient was negatively associated with psychological well-being. Multivariately, the number of assistive devices per patient was positively associated with psychological well-being. Functional status was a negative confounder of the relationship between the possession of assistive devices and psychological well-being. CONCLUSION: The possession of assistive devices was positively related to psychological well-being of patients with rheumatic diseases, after controlling for differences in functional status.