Why the study?
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have higher rates of mental health problems and lower psychological well-being compared to the general population.
Does a 6-week online peer support group program improve psychological well-being in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
Population
78 patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Comparison
Peer support group program vs routine care
Design
Randomized controlled trial
Follow-up
Two months after intervention completion
Key result
A six-week peer support group program significantly improved psychological well-being scores in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to routine care at posttest (P < 0.001) and two-month follow-up.
Authors
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Supports integrating peer support into RA care; extends RCT evidence for psychosocial interventions in chronic disease.
RCT (n=78)
Single-blind (data analyst blinded)
Simple block randomization with variable block sizes
No
Does a 6-week online peer support group program improve psychological well-being in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
p-value: p=<0.001
A 6-week online peer support group program significantly improved psychological well-being in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with benefits persisting at 2-month follow-up.
Davoodifard et al. (2025) conducted an RCT in Rheumatoid arthritis (n=78). Peer support group program vs. Routine care was evaluated on Psychological well-being score (Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale) (p=<0.001). A six-week peer support group program significantly improved psychological well-being scores in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to routine care at posttest (P < 0.001) and two-month follow-up.