Study of Peer Health Coaching to Reduce Anxiety and Depression in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to find out if peer coaching can lower anxiety and depression in adults diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis RA. It compares the effect of peer coaching, delivered by individuals who also have RA, to coaching from people without RA who discuss general health topics. The study focuses on whether anxiety and depression improve six months after the coaching sessions. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives nine weekly telephone sessions with a peer coach who uses techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy CBT, mindfulness, and exercise to address chronic pain and related issues. The other group receives nine telephone sessions with a coach who does not have RA and covers general health topics like nutrition and cancer awareness without using CBT or mindfulness. Sessions occur over 9 to 12 weeks, and data is collected multiple times during and after the intervention. Participants will complete surveys before starting, midway through, and at several timepoints after the sessions, including 3 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-intervention. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety and depression using validated tools PHQ-8 and GAD-7. Other assessments include pain interference, sleep disturbance, physical function, social isolation, stress, loneliness, and quality of life. The study monitors these outcomes to understand the impact of coaching on mental well-being in people with RA.

Healthier: Health Coaching for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis to Improve Mental Well-Being