Public perception of long-term illness and decisions to seek help; v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Perceptions of rheumatoid arthritis and decisions to seek help in the general public: A population-based survey of adults.
IRAS ID
123767
Contact name
Gwenda Simons
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Research summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic condition which causes joint inflammation. RA typically develops between 50 and 60 years of age, and causes significant pain and disability in older people. If people with RA are
diagnosed and treated early they have better mobility and less disability in the future. Unfortunately, people often wait for a long time before seeking help for RA symptoms, missing a vital window to prevent irreversible joint destruction.
This research will investigate how people without RA would respond to the initial symptoms of RA using a survey developed on the basis of interviews with the general public on the topic of RA.With this research we aim to explore what members of the public know about RA, how they perceive this condition and the triggers they may use to seek help as well as the barriers they encounter when deciding on seeking medical attention.
This research will help us to understand why people delay in seeking help at the onset of RA and will inform a public health intervention to motivate people to seek help early.REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1695
Date of REC Opinion
1 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion