Self-efficacy in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions discharged from physical therapy service: A cross-sectional study

Author(s)

Souza, Carolina Matiello ^[1] ; Martins, Jaqueline ^[2] ; Libardoni, Thiele de Cassia ^[2] ; de Oliveira, Anamaria Siriani ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Physiotherapy Course, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Dept Hlth Sci, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE; v. 18, n. 3 APR 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate self-efficacy levels of patients after finishing rehabilitation for chronic musculoskeletal conditions and identify factors related to self-efficacy. Method: Two hundred and eight patients aged >40 years with musculoskeletal disorders were included. Self-efficacy was assessed by the Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale (CPSS), and regression analyses were used to test six predictors of self-efficacy: age, symptom duration, number of physical therapy sessions, postdischarge pain intensity, perceived clinical improvement, and cognitive reassurance. Self-efficacy was compared between patients who reported improvement and worsening of their clinical condition, and a cutoff value for self-efficacy was established using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses to distinguish patients with severe pain from those with mild to moderate pain. Results: Better perceived clinical improvement (Beta = -0.37,p= 0.000), lower pain intensity (Beta = -0.33,p= 0.000), and a lower number of physical therapy sessions (Beta = -0.12,p= 0.027) were related to greater self-efficacy. No significant associations were observed between self-efficacy and age, symptom duration, and cognitive reassurance. The patients who reported improvement had greater self-efficacy (204.76 +/- 52.80) than those who reported worsening of their clinical condition (145.45 +/- 44.18;p= 0.000). A CPSS score of 172 points (sensitivity of 0.77; specificity of 0.72) may indicate low self-efficacy. Conclusion: A higher perception of self-efficacy after discharge from physiotherapy is associated with better perceived clinical improvement, lower pain intensity, and a lower number of physical therapy sessions. Therefore, interventions to support patients' exercise-based rehabilitation should include self-efficacy, which may affect the prognosis of patients with chronic conditions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/15592-1 - Perception of self-efficacy of people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions who were discharged from secondary physical therapy: a cross-sectional study
• Grantee: Carolina Matiello Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation