Self-Management and Support Needs for Young Adults with IA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Self-Management and Support Needs for Young Adults with Inflammatory Arthritis
IRAS ID
170165
Contact name
Caroline Flurey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of England
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 18 days
Research summary
The transition from paediatric to adult care for individuals with inflammatory arthritis (IA) can be a high-risk period with an increased chance of interruption in care. Individuals make this transition between the ages of 16 to 20, which is also the time they may be experiencing other life changes such as moving away from home. The value of self-management has been demonstrated in the treatment of IA as it addresses the psychosocial aspects of the disease and can increase self-efficacy. However, anecdotal evidence suggests few young people choose to attend self-management courses such as the ‘Living Well with Arthritis’ course run by North Bristol NHS Trust, implying young adults may be a group that are not receiving the full benefit of available help to deal with IA. Previous research into young people with chronic health conditions indicates their specific areas of concern, such as help with employment and has investigated their transition experiences, with many finding it ‘abrupt’ (e.g. (Lugasi et al., 2011). Even after the transition has been made young adults must manage their IA whilst simultaneously dealing with life events that may not be relevant to older adults (such as starting a family). They must deal with issues, such as side-effects of medication that may frequently set them apart from their peers. This qualitative study will explore what self-management means to young adults, how they are currently coping with their IA, what help they would like to receive to help them manage their IA and specifically how they would like to receive this help. Participants will be aged 18 to 45 and have IA. Data collection will be through interviews and the analysis will include inductive thematic analysis. This study aims to identify the preferred delivery method and content of a support intervention for young adults with IA.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
15/ES/0012
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion