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Illness behavior in rheumatoid arthritis

J A Sakalys1

  • 1University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing, Denver 80262, USA.

Arthritis Care and Research : the Official Journal of the Arthritis Health Professions Association
|August 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often experience prolonged delays in diagnosis due to symptom normalization and self-treatment. Invalidation of symptoms and emotional distress are common before accurate diagnosis.

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Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Medical Sociology
  • Patient Experience Research

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis can be challenging due to non-specific early symptoms.
  • Understanding patient experiences before diagnosis is crucial for improving care pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prediagnostic illness behavior of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study analyzing interview and medical record data from 50 female RA patients.
  • Employed both quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques.

Main Results:

  • High rates of symptom normalization, self-treatment, and symptom comparison were observed.
  • Patients reported prolonged diagnostic delays, multiple misdiagnoses, and numerous physician consultations.
  • Symptom invalidation and emotional distress were common, with relief upon accurate diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Prediagnostic illness behavior in RA is characterized by lengthy, complex journeys.
  • Personal and social stress, symptom invalidation, and the relief of accurate diagnosis are key features.

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