Perceptions of arthritis glove wear of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and persistent hand pain

Published Date: 31st October 2022

Publication Authors: Hough Y

Introduction
Arthritis gloves are prescribed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to reduce hand pain, stiffness, and improve hand function. As part of a randomised controlled trial, this study investigated participants' perceptions of wearing arthritis gloves.

Method
Participants with RA and persistent hand pain (n = 206) were randomly assigned and prescribed either loose-fitting gloves (control) or arthritis gloves (intervention), for day and/or night wear (as per individual need). At 12-weeks, the trial follow-up questionnaire also included items about whether the gloves prescribed were: beneficial or not; if yes, the benefits experienced; any problems encountered; if they stopped wearing gloves day and/or night, and why.

Results
The questionnaire response rate was 154/206 (75%). In both groups, 73% reported gloves were beneficial (p = 0.97). There were no differences in types of benefits reported. The most common were: warmth (59% control: 54% intervention; p = 0.53); and comfort (54%: 62%; p = 0.29). Fewer reported problems with glove wear in the control group (33%), compared to the intervention group (49%); p = 0.05. In both groups, the most common daytime problem was inability to wear gloves for wet or dirty activities; and at night, gloves being too hot. Similar numbers in the control and intervention groups stopped wearing gloves either day or night (23%: 31%; p = 0.26), primarily for these reasons.

Discussion
Participants' perceptions about wearing arthritis or loose-fitting gloves were very similar. Wearing ordinary gloves could result in similar perceived benefits to arthritis gloves.

 

Hammond, A; Hough, Y et al. (2022). Perceptions of arthritis glove wear of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and persistent hand pain: A nested questionnaire study within the A-Gloves trial. Musculoskeletal Care. epub 31 Oct(.),  [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1709 [Accessed 10 January 2023]

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