Subsequent behavior of users of an arthritis information telephone service

Followup telephone interviews were conducted with a stratified random sample of 305 users of a prototype telephone information service for arthritis 2–4 months after their initial contact with the service. The percentage of respondents who reported taking at least 1 positive action for their arthritis because of service usage was 79%. The most frequently reported actions of users were asking their doctor more questions and greater compliance with their doctor's orders. About one-half of the respondents felt more in control of their arthritis because of service usage. Both the taking of at least 1 action and the taking of certain specific actions were significantly correlated with feeling more in control of the arthritis (P > 0.01). Respondents who were less than 60 years old, black, or symptomatic were significantly more likely to take an action and took significantly more actions (P > 0.01). This minimal intervention may stimulate positive behaviors for individuals with arthritis.