Psychosocial adaptation in chronic arthritis.: Behavioural characteristics of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and reactive arthritis

We sought to measure psychosocial adaptation in children and adolescents with different forms of chronic arthritis and to determine associated factors. Mothers of 68 children aged 8-17 years with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or reactive arthritis reported behaviour problems (CBCL), children reported their actual stress level (SSK), functional disability in conducting activities of daily living (CHAQ) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) including self-esteem (KINDLR). Children and adolescents with JIA or reactive arthritis reported lower self-esteem compared to normative data, Almost 20% of the samples were reported to have serious behaviour problems, mostly social isolation and depression/anxiety. Children with lower HRQOL, more functional limitations and a higher stress level showed more behaviour problems. Self-esteem and behaviour problems may be relevant outcome measures in children and adolescents with chronic arthritis and useful to monitor psychosocial support in this population.