The beneficial outcomes of the arthritis self‐management course are not adequately explained by behavior change

Abstract

Evaluation of the Arthritis Self‐Management Course revealed significant positive changes in the practice of behaviors that were taught and in health outcomes. However, utilizing a variety of statistical techniques, we were able to demonstrate only weak associations between changes in behavior and changes in health status. This suggests the need to examine the mechanisms by which health education affects health status. Copyright © 1989 American College of Rheumatology