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

Abstract Background: 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.  ۴۴ participants aged ۲۵–۶۰ using purposive sampling in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria selected and in two groups of ۲۲ 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 (F۱,۳۷=۴/۳۱۸, P= ۰/۰۴۶, η۲ =۰/۱۰۴) among patients with RA. The use of this intervention was effective in reducing the immune parameter (CRP) (F۱,۳۸= ۱۷/۵۹۳, P= ۰/۰۰۱, η۲ =۰/۳۱۶) and their pain (F۱,۳۹= ۴/۸۸۵, P= ۰/۰۳۳, η۲ =۰/۱۱۱). 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.