Mixed-Methods Study of Disability Self-Management in Mexican Americans with Osteoarthritis

Background Health disparities in osteoarthritis (OA) outcomes exist both in the occurrence and treatment of functional limitation and disability for Mexican Americans. Although the effect of self-management of chronic illness is well established, studies demonstrate little attention to self-management of function or disability, despite the strong potential effect on both and, consequently, on patients' lives. Objective The purpose of this study pilot was to develop and test key variable relationships for a measure of disability self-management among Mexican Americans. Methods In this sequential, two-phased, mixed-methods, biobehavioral pilot study of Mexican American women and men with OA, a culturally tailored measure of disability self-management was created, and initial relationships among key variables were explored. Results First, a qualitative study of 19 adults of Mexican American descent born in Texas (United States) or Mexico was conducted. The Mexican American Disability Self-Management Scale was created using a descriptive content analysis of interview data. The scale was tested and refined, resulting in 18 items and a descriptive frequency of therapeutic management efforts. Second, correlations between study variables were estimated: Disability and function were negatively correlated. Disability correlated positively with social support and activity effort. Disability correlated negatively with disability self-management, pain, and C-reactive protein. Function was positively correlated with age, pain, and depression. Liver enzymes (alanine transaminase) correlated positively with pain and anxiety. Discussion This mixed-methods study indicates directions for further testing and interventions for disability outcomes among Mexican Americans.