To Örebro University

Background/Aims: Self-efficacy is crucial in chronic disease management, affecting patients’ ability to cope with symptoms and adhere to treatments. Enhancing self-efficacy may reduce morbidity and mortality, lower healthcare costs, and improve quality of life (QoL) for individuals with chronic conditions. This study examined how patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) manage work, daily activities, and social interactions amidst their symptoms. We assessed the association between self-efficacy and factors such as education, disease management, QoL, pain, and fatigue, utilizing data from the Collating the Voices of People with Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD)-3 study.

Methods: COVAD-3 is a global, cross-sectional survey collecting patient-reported health outcomes using validated instruments. Data extracted in May 2024 included self-efficacy measurements from the Self-Efficacy in Managing Chronic Disease (SEMCD) scale. IIM patients were stratified into high self-efficacy (SEMCD > 6.3) and low self-efficacy (SEMCD < 4.6) groups. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using appropriate statistical tests, including chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and t-tests.

Results: Out of 4,052 responses, 314 IIM patients completed the SEMCD (72.6% female; median SEMCD score 5.56). Ninety-five patients were classified as having low self-efficacy, while 110 had high self-efficacy. The high self-efficacy group reported significantly higher life satisfaction scores (p = 0.015), longer disease duration (p = 0.003), lower fatigue levels measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS-fatigue, p = 0.009), and better physical function assessed by the PROMIS Physical Function Short Form 4a (p = 0.021). A greater proportion of individuals in this group engaged in regular exercise (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between the groups regarding education level or trust in healthcare providers. Additionally, self-efficacy levels did not significantly differ across different IIM subtypes.

Conclusion: High self-efficacy is associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, increased life satisfaction, and reduced fatigue among IIM patients. These findings highlight the importance of self-efficacy in influencing patient well-being. Healthcare providers should identify factors that affect patients’ self-management abilities and develop strategies to enhance communication and education. By fostering self-efficacy, it may be possible to reduce complications, decrease healthcare costs, and improve health outcomes and QoL. Implementing multidisciplinary approaches, such as patient coaching and support groups, can further empower patients and optimize care delivery.