Arthritis self‐management program variations: Three studies

Objectives. (1) Determine strengths and weaknesses of the Arthritis Self‐Management Program (ASMP). (2) Compare 3‐ and 6‐week ASMP. (3) Evaluate 1.5‐hour arthritis program. Methods. Study 1: Qualitative methods incorporating incomplete block design. Study 2: Comparison of 3‐ and 6‐week outcomes. Study 3: Pretest/ posttest comparison. Results. Study 1: Pain management, exercise, and sharing ranked as the most useful aspects of the ASMP. Nutrition, medications, and making decisions about nontraditional treatments ranked least useful. Study 2: Six‐week ASMP subjects improved pain, health distress, illness impact, exercise, cognitive pain management, self‐efficacy, and reduced visits to physicians (P < 0.05). Three‐week subjects improved health distress, cognitive pain management, and self‐efficacy (P < 0.05). Study 3: Improved knowledge, self‐efficacy, and pain (P < 0.05). Conclusions. The traditional 6‐week ASMP is more effective than a 3‐week version. A 1.5‐hour community program is effective in increasing knowledge, self‐efficacy, and contact with the Arthritis Foundation.