Exploring Sources of Emotional Distress among People Living with Scleroderma: A Focus Group Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, is a chronic and rare connective tissue disease with negative physical and psychological implications. Sources of emotional distress and the impact they have on the lives of people with scleroderma are not well understood.

Objectives

To gain an in-depth understanding of the emotional experiences and sources of emotional distress for women and men living with scleroderma through focus group discussions.

Methods

Three semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted (two in English, one in French) with a total of 22 people with scleroderma recruited through the Scleroderma Society of Ontario in Hamilton, Ontario and a scleroderma clinic in Montreal, Canada. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded for eme

SUBMITTER: Gumuchian ST 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4805283 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature