Aging and Mental Health, 14(7), September 2010, pp.819-827.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
The cross-sectional study involved 320 patients with various rheumatic disorders who were attending a follow-up clinic at the University Hospital of Ioannina. HRQOL (health-related quality of life) was assessed by the 26-item World Health Organisation Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), and functional limitations, psychological distress, defence mechanisms, sense of coherence, and interpersonal difficulties were also assessed. The results showed that older patients presented more impaired physical HRQOL and social relationships HRQOL independent of disease type, education, and pain. Functional limitations were more prominent in the older group. Pain, functional limitations, and psychological distress were independently associated with physical HRQOL in both groups. Psychological distress was the only common independent correlate of social relationships HRQOL. Personality factors were significant correlates of physical and social relationships HRQOLs only in the younger group, while the impact of pain in physical HRQOL was greater for younger than older patients. The article concludes that older patients with rheumatic diseases experience more impaired HRQOL than the younger ones, and the management and prevention of functional limitations and psychological distress should be a priority.
The cross-sectional study involved 320 patients with various rheumatic disorders who were attending a follow-up clinic at the University Hospital of Ioannina. HRQOL (health-related quality of life) was assessed by the 26-item World Health Organisation Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), and functional limitations, psychological distress, defence mechanisms, sense of coherence, and interpersonal difficulties were also assessed. The results showed that older patients presented more impaired physical HRQOL and social relationships HRQOL independent of disease type, education, and pain. Functional limitations were more prominent in the older group. Pain, functional limitations, and psychological distress were independently associated with physical HRQOL in both groups. Psychological distress was the only common independent correlate of social relationships HRQOL. Personality factors were significant correlates of physical and social relationships HRQOLs only in the younger group, while the impact of pain in physical HRQOL was greater for younger than older patients. The article concludes that older patients with rheumatic diseases experience more impaired HRQOL than the younger ones, and the management and prevention of functional limitations and psychological distress should be a priority.
Subject terms:
long term conditions, older people, pain, quality of life, activities of daily living, adults, arthritis;
British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(7), July 2003, pp.297-302.
Publisher:
Sage
Reports on a study to gain a greater understanding of the impact of chronic arthritis on the functional ability of women, the strategies that they use to maintain their function and the integration of these strategies into their lifestyles. A qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews, personal diaries and focus groups. Twelve women with chronic arthritis participated over use, the personal connotations of being a recipient of assistance and the need to negotiate levels of assistance with other family members. Insights into the women's use of assistance have the potential to inform the way in which this strategy is approached in educational programmes and also highlight the need to address how people with chronic arthritis communicate their need for assistance
Reports on a study to gain a greater understanding of the impact of chronic arthritis on the functional ability of women, the strategies that they use to maintain their function and the integration of these strategies into their lifestyles. A qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews, personal diaries and focus groups. Twelve women with chronic arthritis participated over a period of 2 years. All the interviews and focus group discussions were transcribed and coded. The data analysis involved the development of a thematic framework to identify recurring themes and their relationships. The negotiation and use of personal assistance emerged as an important strategy used by the women. It was highlighted as a complex strategy owing to the number of factors influencing its use, the personal connotations of being a recipient of assistance and the need to negotiate levels of assistance with other family members. Insights into the women's use of assistance have the potential to inform the way in which this strategy is approached in educational programmes and also highlight the need to address how people with chronic arthritis communicate their need for assistance and negotiate help within the family.
Subject terms:
mobility impairment, women, activities of daily living, arthritis, carers, families;
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;
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;
British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59(6), June 1996, pp.254-259.
Publisher:
Sage
Reviews a functional and health status outcome measures used in rheumatology therapy research and practice. Looks at the results of a national survey conducted with rheumatology occupational therapies to identity which functional assessments are most used. The majority of respondents considered standardised assessments to be valuable in clinical practice. Over half used a standardised measure, with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Modified HAQ and Barthel Index being the commonest. The reasons for non-use were mainly a lack of knowledge of assessments available or difficulty in accessing these. All departments using standardised assessments did so in conjunction with a non-standardised activities of daily living assessment, because the former were not considered to provide sufficient detail for treatment planning purposes.
Reviews a functional and health status outcome measures used in rheumatology therapy research and practice. Looks at the results of a national survey conducted with rheumatology occupational therapies to identity which functional assessments are most used. The majority of respondents considered standardised assessments to be valuable in clinical practice. Over half used a standardised measure, with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Modified HAQ and Barthel Index being the commonest. The reasons for non-use were mainly a lack of knowledge of assessments available or difficulty in accessing these. All departments using standardised assessments did so in conjunction with a non-standardised activities of daily living assessment, because the former were not considered to provide sufficient detail for treatment planning purposes.
Subject terms:
occupational therapy, older people, outcomes, planning, surveys, activities of daily living, assessment, arthritis, health, health needs;