“What is my risk really?”: A qualitative exploration of preventive interventions among individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Chapman, L. S., Siddle, H. J., Serban, S. , Mankia, K., Rooney, C. M., Mustufvi, Z., Pini, S. and Vinall-Collier, K. (2024) “What is my risk really?”: A qualitative exploration of preventive interventions among individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology Advances in Practice, 8(2), rkae023. (doi: 10.1093/rap/rkae023)

Abstract

Objectives Intervention in the pre-arthritis phase of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could prevent or delay the onset of disease. The primary aim of this study was to explore perspectives of being at-risk and potential preventive interventions among individuals at risk of developing RA, and identify factors influencing their engagement with prevention. A secondary aim, established during the analysis process, was to understand and compare different approaches to health-related behaviours related to preventing RA. Methods Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide positive at-risk (CCP+ at-risk) individuals with musculoskeletal symptoms but no synovitis participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, followed by a secondary ideal-type analysis. Results Nineteen CCP+ at-risk individuals (ten women; age range 35–70) participated. Three overarching themes were identified: i) being CCP+ at risk; ii) aiming to prevent RA; iii) influencers of engagement. Participants described distress related to symptoms and uncertainty about disease progression. Many participants had concerns about medication side effects. In contrast, most participants expressed willingness to make lifestyle changes with the aim of preventing RA. Engagement with preventive measures was influenced by symptom severity, personal risk level, comorbidities, experiences of taking other medications/supplements, knowledge of RA, risk factors and medications, and perceived effort. Three ‘types’ of participants were identified from the data: proactive preventers, change considerers, and fearful avoiders. Overall orientation to health behaviours also impacted on attitude towards preventing RA. Conclusion Findings could inform recruitment and retention in RA prevention research and promote uptake of preventive interventions in clinical practice.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding statement: This work was supported by The Oral and Dental Research Trust through the OHI (PreViser) Award.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Serban, Dr Stefan
• Authors: Chapman, L. S., Siddle, H. J., Serban, S., Mankia, K., Rooney, C. M., Mustufvi, Z., Pini, S., and Vinall-Collier, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Rheumatology Advances in Practice
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 2514-1775
• ISSN (Online): 2514-1775
• Published Online: 29 February 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Author(s) 2024
• First Published: First published in Rheumatology Advances in Practice 8(2):rkae023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence