Smartest Doc
Childrens experiences of living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Thematic synthesis of qualitative studies
Arthritis Care & Research , 05/04/2012
Tong A et al. – Juvenile idiopathic arthritis disrupts the children's sense of normality and impairs their capacity for social participation. They have a sense of being misunderstood and stigmatised, and feel perpetually caught between having hope and control over their bodies, and overwhelming pain and despair. To increase their confidence, ability to manage their pain, and resourcefulness for self–management, children need ongoing information about treatments and lifestyle management, strong social support, community advocacy, and active involvement in their own health decision making.
