Gender differences in illness acceptance and coping strategies among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional survey study

This study aimed to investigate potential gender differences in illness acceptance and coping strategies in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA). Furthermore, the study aimed to identify factors associated with illness acceptance and coping strategies specific to men and women. A cross-sectional nationwide survey design was applied. Illness acceptance was measured by using the Acceptance of Illness Scale and coping was measured by using the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to explore gender differences in illness acceptance and coping strategies in patients with IA, while logistic regression analyses investigated associated factors. The study included 664 participants (85.1% women) with a mean age of 50 and median disease duration of 10 years. Diagnoses included 53.3% rheumatoid arthritis, 27.1% psoriatic arthritis, and 19.6% axial spondyloarthritis. A statistically significant difference was found between men and women in use of avoidance (P = 0.015). Higher illness acceptance was associated with tertiary education in men (OR: 3.90) and older age in women (OR: 1.35 per 10 years). Women with higher disease activity used confrontation more (OR: 1.64) than women with less activity. Men relied more on avoidance when facing psychological distress (OR: 1.29) or severe fatigue (OR: 1.31), as did women with high disease activity (OR: 2.09). Acceptance-resignation was linked to higher disability and psychological distress in men (OR: 1.32 and 1.52) and higher disease activity in women (OR: 2.09). We identified factors associated with illness acceptance and coping strategies among IA patients. Gender-sensitive approaches are needed to address specific factors influencing illness acceptance and coping in men and women.