Purpose: This study was designed to explore pain and self-care behaviors and identify related variables in patients with chronic arthritis. Method: One hundred fifty patients with arthritis were recruited from two university based arthritis centers according to selection criteria. Collected data were analyzed using the SAS program to analyze the responses to the structured questionnaires of the study. Result: Most of the participants expressed pain and the intensity of the pain was moderate. There were significant differences according to age, educational level, diagnosis, duration of illness, number of affected joint, and use of complementary therapy. Self-care behavior scores were moderately high. The highest practice was for 'regular visits to the hospital', and the lowest for 'applying physical therapy at home'. The mean self-care behavior scores showed significant differences according to economic status and educational level. Pain scores showed no correlation with self-care behavior. Conclusion: Developing self-management programs for patients with chronic arthritis should focus on self-care skills which are applicable in the relief of pain and enhancement of knowledge. The skills are recommended not only for better health practices but also for enhancing the level of well-being and life satisfaction.
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