Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematous in South Asians
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experiences of people of South Asian origin living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and/or Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) ; An explanatory study
IRAS ID
335779
Contact name
George Johnson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham, Head of Research Ethics, Governance and Integrity
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid arthritis are both autoimmune conditions. SLE can affect any organ in the body (García-Carrasco et al., 2013) and RA usually impacts the joints (Sissons, 2021).
Although a higher prevalence of rheumatic diseases has been found in those of South Asian origin (Samanta et al., 1992; Subramanian et al., 2021), little research has been conducted in understanding the experiences of South Asians with these conditions.
Thus, the aim of this proposed study is to explore the wellbeing of people of South Asian origin with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and/or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The research question is ‘How do people from South Asian backgrounds experience living with RA and/or SLE?’.
This research is important as not only will it address the research gap identified, but recommendations from the findings could help clinicians, healthcare providers and charity organisations better understand the experiences of South Asians and how to support them in a way that they perceive as useful. It is hoped that these recommendations could act a guideline to help professionals adapt their work to ensure all support is accessible and culturally competent.
Participants will be identified from The Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS trust or The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.
People of South Asian origin, who are attending a medical appointment for their rheumatic condition at either Birmingham City Hospital or New Cross Hospital, will be approached for recruitment.
Clinicians with whom potential participants already have an appointment will inform potential participants of the study and ask if they are interested in taking part. If they are interested and give their permission for their contact details to be shared with the research student, the research student will send them the information sheet via email or post after which informed consent will be taken over phone or using an online application such as Zoom or Teams. At this point, interview dates will also be booked.
Usually, interviews will take place at least 1 week after informed consent has been taken. Prior to conducting interviews, participants will be asked again if they still wish to continue in the study.
Interviews will be conducted virtually or at an agreed location by the researcher and participant. Virtual interviews will be conducted over the phone or by using an online application such as Zoom or Teams. If interviews are face-to-face, the researcher will travel to a location agreed by the researcher and participant. All interviews will be recorded using the recording device on the online applications and/or an encrypted Dictaphone.This study will last approximately 1 year from recruitment to submission of viva.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SC/0244
Date of REC Opinion
29 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion