Longitudinal analysis of illness uncertainty, coping, hopefulness, and mood during participation in a clinical drug trial.

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the relationships among illness uncertainty, coping effectiveness, hopefulness, and mood in persons with chronic, progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) during participation in a double-blind clinical drug trial. The similarities and differences in the pattern of relationships among variables were investigated within each of four data collection time frames and across time. The convenience sample comprised 52 participants with clinically definite MS who participated in a 2-year trial using methotrexate to treat progressive MS. Participants with more severe disability were found to be less hopeful and more emotionally distressed. Participants with higher levels of hopefulness used more effective coping strategies and had more positive moods, and those with greater uncertainty about their MS were likely to experience less hopefulness and more negative moods. The pattern of relationships among uncertainty, coping, hopefulness, and mood did not change throughout participation in the drug trial. The findings may be used as a foundation for planning nursing interventions with patients involved in drug studies.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes