Social support needs of families: the context of rheumatoid arthritis

The present study aimed to describe the experience of family members who provide social support to their relative with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and explore the forms of support that they require.

The psychosocial effects and changes that family members experience with their relative's illness can pose considerable challenge for the family unit.

The study used a descriptive qualitative design. A semi-structured interview guide was used to interview seven participants. Qualitative direct content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Five themes emerged from the data analysis: effect of the disease; reshaping the relationship; provider of support; social support needs of family members; and, finding balance and coping.

Family members of people with RA require social support to achieve balance and cope with the chronicity and disability of RA. Nurses should tailor nursing interventions to provide emotional support, informational support, and guidance to families.