Satisfaction with abilities and well-being: development and validation of a questionnaire for use among persons with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a questionnaire to measure satisfaction with abilities and well-being of persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We used data from a panel study of persons with RA (n = 446). The 13 items of the Satisfaction with Abilities and Well-Being Scale (SAWS) were based on problematic aspects of RA and domains of life activities.

RESULTS

The SAWS demonstrated internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93). Two subscales were identified, Satisfaction with Abilities and Satisfaction with Well-Being, which also demonstrated internal consistency (alpha = 0.91 and alpha = 0.82, respectively). Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with psychosocial and clinical variables. After controlling for demographic, psychosocial, and clinical characteristics, there was a significant inverse association between SAWS scores and depressive symptoms scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The SAWS appears to be a valid and reliable measure of satisfaction with abilities and well-being among persons with RA. Longitudinal studies will examine the role of satisfaction in the development of depressive symptoms.