RESEARCH - New insights into the experience of fatigue among patients with RA: a qualitative study

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Ann Rheum Dis. Published Online First: 22 October 2009.

doi:10.1136/ard.2009.118067

New insights into the experience of fatigue among patients with

rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study

Nikolaus1,*, Bode1, Taal1, Mart A F J van de Laar2

1 University of Twente, Netherlands;

2 University of Twente and Medical Spectrum Twente, Netherlands

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complain about

fatigue. Aim of this study was to gain further insight into the

experience of fatigue in RA.

Methods: Participants were 31 RA outpatients of the Medical Spectrum

Twente, with all levels of fatigue. In-depth structured interviews on

the patients’ experience of fatigue were conducted and analyzed using

a bottom-up coding scheme, meaning that answers of patients were

summarized and categorized.

Results: Patients’ mean fatigue severity score was 50 (VAS;

theoretical range 0-100). Interviews showed inter-individual

differences in the experience and impact of fatigue. Different

patterns in emotions, consequences and management of fatigue were

found. Especially younger women with multiple daily roles seemed to be

vulnerable to the negative impact of RA fatigue. Patients also

reported positive aspects of fatigue. Moreover, varying forms of

fatigue were described.

Conclusions: Results point to the existence of differences in fatigue

experience according to gender, age, and daily roles. This finding

indicates a need for targeting advice and interventions to the

individual situation of a patient. Furthermore, the positive aspects

patients reported about their fatigue could facilitate an approach

that is focused on remaining opportunities and not only on

restrictions.

http://ard.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/ard.2009.118067v1?papetoc

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