Proceedings of the Irish Soc for Rheumatology and Irish - IJMS | Irish ...
Proceedings of the Irish Soc for Rheumatology and Irish - IJMS | Irish ...
Proceedings of the Irish Soc for Rheumatology and Irish - IJMS | Irish ...
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<strong>Proceedings</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Irish</strong> <strong>Soc</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Rheumatology</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Irish</strong> <strong>Rheumatology</strong> Health<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals <strong>Soc</strong>iety AGM September 2006<br />
44. QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES: JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS<br />
AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN IRELAND<br />
M. O’Hara<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Nursing & Midwifery Studies, National University <strong>of</strong> Irel<strong>and</strong>,<br />
Galway, Co Galway, Irel<strong>and</strong><br />
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a complex chronic inflammatory group <strong>of</strong><br />
conditions that can cause serious complications in physical function <strong>and</strong> may<br />
significantly affect <strong>the</strong> well-being <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> young person. Classification <strong>of</strong> JIA<br />
continues to evolve, resulting in better knowledge <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
patient subgroups. Manners (2002) reported <strong>the</strong> prevalence <strong>of</strong> JIA as varying<br />
between 0.07 <strong>and</strong> 4.01 per 1000 children with an annual incidence <strong>of</strong> 0.008-<br />
0.226 per 1000 children. Physical function limitations, <strong>and</strong> psychosocial<br />
issues may impact on <strong>the</strong> health related quality <strong>of</strong> life. Disease management is<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten complex. The aim is to achieve disease remission. Treatment goals<br />
include <strong>the</strong> prevention <strong>of</strong> damage to joints <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r organs <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> promotion<br />
<strong>of</strong> normal physical <strong>and</strong> psychosocial development (Wallace 2006). The<br />
condition frequently necessitates visits to specialised medical services <strong>and</strong> inhospital<br />
stays. These can impact on <strong>the</strong> young person’s social time <strong>and</strong><br />
education (Sall<strong>for</strong>s 2002 et al.). Concerns including altered body image,<br />
social acceptance, independence <strong>and</strong> future prospects may have an impact on<br />
<strong>the</strong> health related quality <strong>of</strong> life <strong>of</strong> young people with JIA (Barlow et al. 1999).<br />
Aim: This PhD study is exploring quality <strong>of</strong> life issues as perceived by young<br />
people aged between 12-18 years with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.<br />
Method: During phase two <strong>of</strong> three phases <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> data collection 10 young<br />
people with JIA were interviewed.<br />
Results: This poster presentation highlights some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> key <strong>the</strong>mes identified<br />
by those interviewed in relation to JIA <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> approach <strong>the</strong>y would like to <strong>the</strong><br />
provision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir health care.<br />
Conclusions: Quality <strong>of</strong> life may be impacted by JIA.<br />
Reference:<br />
Manners PJ & Bower C worldwide prevalence <strong>of</strong> juvenile arthritis – why does<br />
it vary so much? The Journal <strong>of</strong> <strong>Rheumatology</strong> (2002) 29 pp.1520-1530.
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