Symptom Recognition and Perceived Urgency of Help-Seeking for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Diseases in the General Public: A Mixed Method Approach.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Clinical outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are improved if the disease is treated early. However, treatment is often significantly delayed as a result of delayed help-seeking by patients who fail to recognize its symptoms or the need for rapid medical attention. Two studies were conducted to investigate the role of symptom recognition in help-seeking for the symptoms of RA, and compared this to symptom recognition and help-seeking in angina and bowel cancer.

Methods

A qualitative interview study with 31 individuals and a survey of 1,088 members of the general public (all without RA) were conducted. Both studies used vignettes describing the symptoms of RA, bowel cancer, and angina. Participants made causal attributions and rated the perceived seriousness of the

SUBMITTER: Simons G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5518890 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature