Exploring the emotional impact of Axial Spondyloarthritis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the emotional impact of Axial Spondyloarthritis and factors influential in emotional well-being in adults newly diagnosed with Axial Spondyloarthritis.
IRAS ID
279774
Contact name
Nicky Wilson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 10 days
Research summary
Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is a long-term inflammatory condition that commonly starts in early adult life. It is characterised by pain and stiffness of the spine and sacroiliac joints, although extra-articular features are common.
The impact of AxSpA on individuals diagnosed with the condition can be significant. Ability to work is often reduced and health-related quality of life is lower in people with AxSpA than healthy individuals. Around 40% of people with AxSpA have some depressive symptoms, with the greatest incidence in the year after diagnosis. Many people with AxSpA are at risk of psychological distress and report an emotional burden associated with living with AxSpA. However, emotional dimensions may be overlooked during healthcare consultations and access to appropriate psychological support for people with inflammatory arthritis is limited.
Our study aims to explore the emotional impact of AxSpA and factors influential in emotional well-being in people during the early phase of diagnosis.
To do this, we will undertake qualitative diary interviews and focus groups with people within 12 months of diagnosis of AxSpA under the care of NHS rheumatology services in the UK. Six to eight people with a diagnosis of AxSpA of less than three months will be invited to complete a qualitative diary for 6 weeks. A post-diary interview will subsequently be conducted. Four focus groups with people with a diagnosis of AxSpA of between three and twelve months will be conducted to explore in depth the emotional impact of AxSpA and factors influential in emotional well-being.
The findings from this study will enable a deeper understanding of the emotional impact of AxSpA and could facilitate appropriate assessment of emotional well-being and design of interventions to maximize adaptive coping in people with AxSpA during the early phase of diagnosis.REC name
London - Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0271
Date of REC Opinion
26 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion