| Summary: | This study explored the self-care experiences of women with a medical
diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis for at least 2 years, but no more than 5 years at the
time of enrollment in the study. The study participants were between the ages 35 years
and 45 years, had completed high school and were English speaking. In-depth
personal interviews were conducted with seven women. A follow-up conversation to
confirm study findings was conducted in person or by telephone with all seven women.
The audio taped interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis.
Study findings revealed five major themes: coming to terms with chronicity of
rheumatoid arthritis, viewing themselves as experts, learning how to make changes,
maintaining control of decisions, and building a network of support. Self-care was a
complex, multidimensional experience that occurred in the context of everyday life.
Self-care was understood by these women to be embedded in the whole experience of
rheumatoid arthritis. It involved educating themselves and their health care providers,
as well as seeking partnerships within the health care system. These themes were
blended into a narrative that reflected the meanings and understandings of self-care as
described by the women.
The implications of the findings from this study are discussed with
recommendations made for practice, policy, and research. A key recommendation is
for health care professionals to adopt a health promotion framework to guide their
work with women with rheumatoid arthritis.
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