Adjusting to recent onset of rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study

The purpose of this study was to examine men’s and women’s experiences living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using semi-structured, in-depth telephone interviews, nine women and seven men who were recently diagnosed with RA (disease duration < four years) were interviewed about their experiences adjusting to RA. Line-by-line coding using thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Findings from the qualitative analysis revealed six categories emerging from the data: 1. degree of severity of the impact of the disease, 2. appraisal about what the illness means to me, 3. availability of social support, 4. perception of self-efficacious behaviours, 5. use of coping strategies, and 6. RA’s effect on valued life activities. A number of participants described positive thinking about managing their RA; whereas others described negative thinking. Individuals’ appraisals and perceptions about their illness coupled with how their illness affected their ability to fulfill their role responsibilities were important in their adjustment to RA. Social support was also identified as key in learning to live with RA. For individuals with RA, the impact of the disease on their ability to maintain normal life is important, and as such it is vital that healthcare professionals have a better understanding of the perceptions and experiences that individuals have living with RA.