What are we measuring? An examination of self-reported functional status measures.
Functional status questionnaires are being used in various types of studies. To determine factors related to self-reported functional ability for rheumatoid arthritis patients, we examined the relationship between a functional and mental health questionnaire and objective disease-specific measures. Using 3-5 predictor variables, we explained 43-57% of the variance in patients' self-reported functioning. Mental and physical health perceptions were significant predictors for each self-reported functional measure. The relationships among mental health and self-reported functioning should be considered when interpreting studies that use functional status questionnaires.
Spiegel
J S
JS
Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles.
Leake
B
B
Spiegel
T M
TM
Paulus
H E
HE
Kane
R L
RL
Ward
N B
NB
Ware
J E
JE
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008124:Locomotion; D008603:Mental Health; D009068:Movement; D010146:Pain; D012649:Self Concept; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors