Characteristics of handicap for patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis: the validity of the Disease Repercussion Profile.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the applicability of the Disease Repercussion Profile (DRP) in the assessment of people with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. Previous research using this instrument has been confined to chronic samples. METHODS Fifty-three patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis completed the DRP and other commonly used clinical outcome measures. RESULTS The life areas of the DRP were highly interrelated, with the exception of finance. The total DRP score was associated with joint function, disability, subjective pain and coping, but was most highly associated with emotional disturbance, particularly depressive symptoms. No associations were found between measures of disease or demographic variables and DRP subscales. Activity was the area most often affected, with social life, emotions and appearance all more strongly endorsed than finances and relationships. However, whenever any of the areas was endorsed as affected, its impact was inevitably rated as very important. The pattern of self-perceived handicap was different from that reported in people with chronic arthritis. CONCLUSIONS These results offer evidence that the DRP provides a valid measure of handicap for patients with early illness even with relatively low levels of disability. However, handicap in early rheumatoid arthritis may be more highly associated with psychological distress than in later stages of the illness.