https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3609-8489
Abstract
Background
This qualitative study, part of a prospective mixed-methods research, aimed to gain insights into the medical experiences and disease perceptions of Chinese patients living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Specifically, the study examined how RA patients’ perceptions of their disease were influenced by the diagnosis and treatment they receive.
Methods
RA patients undergoing treatment were invited to participate in this qualitative study. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted among 18 patients, and the collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results
The 18 participants in this study had a mean (SD) age of 58, a median disease duration of 6.5 years, and a predominance of female subjects (17 out of 18). The qualitative analysis identified two themes with six sub-themes: 1. Patients’ experiences of treatment: discovery of the disease, misdiagnosis and mistreatment, and patients’ treatment choices; 2. Feelings about the disease: psychological impact, reflections on the disease, and expectations of treatment.
Conclusion
This study provides valuable perspectives and data to enhance the understanding of the relationship between patients’ illness perceptions and their healthcare choices.
Acknowledgments
Ying Hu and Wenhui Zhu are co-first authors for this study. Acknowledgments all the patients who participated in this study.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.