British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(7), July 2012, pp.313-320.
Publisher:
Sage
This study compared women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the normal population in order to assess whether participation in committed activities (those they were obliged to perform) or discretionary activities (those for recreation and pleasure) were associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It also looked at whether there have been changes over the last ten years. The study
This study compared women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the normal population in order to assess whether participation in committed activities (those they were obliged to perform) or discretionary activities (those for recreation and pleasure) were associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It also looked at whether there have been changes over the last ten years. The study involved 238 females with RA living in Norway (mean age 57.4 years, mean duration of disease 15 years). Self-reported participation in activities was measured by the Interest Checklist divided into committed and discretionary activities for the past 10 years, the previous year and present. HRQoL was measured by the Short-Form 36. There was a significant decrease in participation in both committed and discretionary activities over the 10-year period for women with RA. High participation in committed activities was significantly associated with good physical function, whereas high participation in discretionary activities was associated with both psychological wellbeing and good physical function. Higher education was associated with high participation in activities, particularly in discretionary activities. The authors suggest that it is important for occupational therapists and other health professionals to assist females with RA, and especially those with less education, to maintain essential discretionary activities because this is associated with psychological wellbeing.
Subject terms:
leisure activities, occupational therapy, participation, quality of life, women, activities of daily living, arthritis, educational performance;
... outcomes, a poorer quality of life, and a substantial cost to the NHS. It is estimated that in a range of long term conditions depression can increase healthcare costs by 33% to 169%. Depression can also increase the risk of death for some people with some long term conditions. This document has been produced by a coalition of charities made up of Arthritis Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Depression Alliance, Diabetes UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Its purpose is to call for better detection, management and care of depression amongst this group of people. It calls for every person with a long term condition to be treated for both their physical and psychological symptoms in equal measure, recognising the detrimental impact depression can have
Depression can affect people with a range of long term conditions, including musculoskeletal conditions, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. People with long term conditions are two or three times more likely to experience depression and estimates suggest that 20% of people with long term conditions have depression. The prognosis for people with long term conditions is poorer care, poorer outcomes, a poorer quality of life, and a substantial cost to the NHS. It is estimated that in a range of long term conditions depression can increase healthcare costs by 33% to 169%. Depression can also increase the risk of death for some people with some long term conditions. This document has been produced by a coalition of charities made up of Arthritis Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Depression Alliance, Diabetes UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Its purpose is to call for better detection, management and care of depression amongst this group of people. It calls for every person with a long term condition to be treated for both their physical and psychological symptoms in equal measure, recognising the detrimental impact depression can have on health outcomes and quality of life. Recommendations are provided for national policy makers and commissioners and service providers.
Subject terms:
long term conditions, mental health care, arthritis, cancer, depression, diabetes, health care, heart diseases;
British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(1), January 2012, pp.29-35.
Publisher:
Sage
This qualitative study aimed to increase understanding of how hand deformities caused by rheumatic disease influence the individual's potential to continue participating in society by taking into account other people's attitudes. Occupational therapy has traditionally focussed on the successful performance of activities and the engagement in social contexts based on this improved ability. However clinical experience suggests personal and attitudinal factors are also involved. Eleven people (age 49-81 years, six men) with hand deformity associated with a rheumatic disease were contacted via a Swedish hand surgery clinic and interviewed. Analyses were conducted using comparative methodology and hermeneutic interpretation. Participation was defined as an experience that arises during involvement in an activity or a social context. All those interviewed experienced restricted participation across a variety of situations. Along with the hand deformity, the physical environment, personal attributes and the attitudes of others were obstacles to full participation. During the study participants were unable to consider the impact of their hand deformity alone without acknowledging other consequences of their rheumatic condition. The authors conclude that personal and contextual factors intertwine and influence the lived experience of participation. They suggest that focussing only on function or performance in rehabilitation might hinder a broader understanding of the experience of participation.
This qualitative study aimed to increase understanding of how hand deformities caused by rheumatic disease influence the individual's potential to continue participating in society by taking into account other people's attitudes. Occupational therapy has traditionally focussed on the successful performance of activities and the engagement in social contexts based on this improved ability. However clinical experience suggests personal and attitudinal factors are also involved. Eleven people (age 49-81 years, six men) with hand deformity associated with a rheumatic disease were contacted via a Swedish hand surgery clinic and interviewed. Analyses were conducted using comparative methodology and hermeneutic interpretation. Participation was defined as an experience that arises during involvement in an activity or a social context. All those interviewed experienced restricted participation across a variety of situations. Along with the hand deformity, the physical environment, personal attributes and the attitudes of others were obstacles to full participation. During the study participants were unable to consider the impact of their hand deformity alone without acknowledging other consequences of their rheumatic condition. The authors conclude that personal and contextual factors intertwine and influence the lived experience of participation. They suggest that focussing only on function or performance in rehabilitation might hinder a broader understanding of the experience of participation.
Subject terms:
occupational therapy, participation, self-concept, social inclusion, stereotyped attitudes, user views, activities of daily living, arthritis;