Gendered role disruption in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A phenomenological study in Kashmir

This study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the day-to-day social role experiences of women living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in Kashmir. Participants were recruited through purposive and theoretical sampling until data saturation was reached. The study included 15 women, aged 21 to 67 years, with a clinical diagnosis of RA. Most of these women participants were married homemakers. Data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed with the help of Colaizzi's method. Results revealed that the challenges posed by RA, including pain, discomfort and progressive disability, have curtailed the patients' ability to fulfill their culturally assigned social roles. Such limitations increased their vulnerability to impaired well-being and a loss of identity and purpose. Furthermore, RA has increased patients' dependence on others, which diminished their perceived significance both within and beyond their familial boundaries. As a result, they have adopted various strategies to adapt to the changing demands and expectations associated with their social roles. The study findings emphasize the need for active family involvement in RA care to promote empathy and support. Moreover, healthcare providers need to address not only the physical aspects of RA, but also its under-recognized emotional, psychological, and sexual impacts to improve the quality of care.