Occupational balance of women with rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study

Abstract

RA was found to have a considerable impact on occupational balance. The experience is not invariably seen as negative as previous literature would suggest. Further research should explore the longitudinal dimension of occupational balance in people with RA.

Redefined by illness: meta-ethnography of qualitative studies on the experience of rheumatoid arthritis

“…Tied to the perceived loss of social independence highlighted above, control was related to both fluctuations in symptoms and to levels of social support [39]. Typically, respondents to these studies described themselves as either (more commonly) feeling ''out of control'' or less commonly as being controlled by their arthritis [40]. In disease management terms, it was seen as preferable that people feel that they can control their arthritis.…”

“…''It's what's best for your illness and that's the driving force behind most decisions'' (p. 385) [43] ''To make the best of a bad situation'' (p. 661) [30] Use of time (pacing, planning, prioritization) [48] ''Trying to 'get on with things''' (p. 1578) [44] Body management (''You can fight it''); Mind management (''I can't do that''); Mind-body management (''Don't live against it, live with it''); Pacing (p. 1046) [35] ''They learned to live with [it]'' (p. 42); Conserve energy (p. 42); Transformation [36] ''I get through the day. I don't have anything else to give'' (p. 39) Unburdening of social role obligations (p. 43) [40] ''I have almost learned to live with it'' (p. 109) [33] Pacing; re-prioritizing activities (p. 701) …”

Validation of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis: The perspective of psychologists

“…Such impairments often lead to limitations of physical activities and restrictions in daily activities and societal participation including paid work (Katz, 1995;Lindquist, Saxne, Geborek, & Eberhardt, 2002;Stamm et al, 2004;Stucki, Brü hlmann, Stucki, & Michel, 1998;Van Jaarsveld et al, 1998;Verstappen et al, 2004). Moreover, RA is associated with psychological problems including lack of perceived control, feelings of anxiety, depression, and helplessness.…”

Dilemmas of participation in everyday life in early rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative interview study (The Swedish TIRA Project)

“…Maintaining social roles and the ability to participate in society are important for RA patients [8,9], and are significantly linked to health and wellbeing [10]. However, patients with RA report that they need to struggle to find a balance in their activity pattern [11], and in order to be able to participate they sometimes need to overdo activities causing impairments and negative feelings [8].…”