LAUSR

Background: People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) spend a high proportion of their waking time in sedentary behavior (SB). Reduction of SB and increase in light intensity physical activity has been suggested as a means to improve health in people with mobility problems. RCT study was conducted aiming to investigate the efficacy of an individually tailored, theory-based behavioral intervention for reducing daily sitting time, pain and fatigue, as well as improving health-related quality of life, general self-efficacy, physical function and cardio-metabolic biomarkers in people with RA[1]. The 16-week intervention included 1) three individual motivational counseling sessions and 2) Tailored Short Text Message Service (SMS) reminders. The intervention was effective for reducing daily sitting time, improving patient reported outcomes and reducing total cholesterol in the intervention group (n=75) compared to the usual lifestyle control group (n=75) [1]. It is relevant to know the participants' attitude towards the intervention prior to implementation. Objectives: To evaluate participants’ perspective on an individually tailored intervention in the RCT study "The efficacy of motivational counselling and SMS reminders on daily sitting time in people with rheumatoid arthritis”. Methods: A mixed methods study including both quantitative and qualitative data was applied. In a convergent parallel design, quantitative data (N=69) was collected by the end of the intervention using a questionnaire designed to evaluate experiences with participation and the intervention. 18 out of those 69 responding to the questionnaire were invited to take part in one of three focus group interviews, involving an evaluation of the intervention through discussion and dialogue. Criteria: maximum of variation in gender, age, duration of RA, employment and the time of conclusion in the RCT study. Data from quantitative and qualitative studies were analyzed and reported separately and then merged at the final stage of the mixed methods study. Results: Participants were generally satisfied with the content and the course of the intervention. In particular, they were satisfied with the individual tailoring of the intervention and the ongoing feedback and follow-up throughout the intervention period. Participants indicated that they had changed their habits regarding sedentary behavior as a direct result of the intervention, and had managed to maintain these changes after their participation. Furthermore, participants reported that their participation in the RCT study indirectly affected their family, friends and colleges, who also gained knowledge about the risk and consequences of sedentary behavior and participation led to changed habits especially at work. Conclusions: Participants in the intervention group in the RCT "The efficacy of motivational counselling and SMS reminders on daily sitting time in patients with rheumatoid arthritis” were satisfied with the content and delivery of the intervention and had managed to change behavior in relation to sedentary time. Reference 1. Thomsen T, et al. The efficacy of motivational counselling and SMS reminders on daily sitting time in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis2017;76(9):1603–1606. Disclosure of Interest: None declared