This randomized controlled trial looked at how different self-management plans affected African American individuals with lupus. Participants received either individualized intervention plans or a standard set menu of care.
The individualized plans offered one to four options, including a mail-delivered arthritis kit, access to a message board, a support group, or enrollment in a self-management program. The control group received a standardized chronic disease self-management program or usual care.
Researchers found improvements in stress management and pain management for those in the intervention group. There was also an increasing trend in using stress management techniques and a decreasing trend in activity limitation. Some trends in using positive pain techniques were observed but did not reach the same level of statistical certainty as the other measures.
The study notes that allowing patients to select program components could help improve quality of life and disease activity in this specific population. No safety concerns were reported regarding the interventions.