Exploring the self-care experiences of patients with rheumatoid arthritis through qualitative content analysis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that requires ongoing management, and self-care plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes. However, understanding patients' experiences with self-care, its meaning for them, and the barriers they face requires further exploration. This study aimed to explore these experiences, gain insight into patients' perceptions of self-care, and identify the challenges they face in managing their condition. This qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach. Using purposive sampling, 15 Iranian patients with RA residing in Sanandaj, a city in western Iran, were recruited. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. MAXQDA 2020 was utilized for data management. Patients' experiences regarding self-care were categorized into five main categories and 26 sub-categories. The main themes included active self-management, challenges and deterrents to self-care, empowering resources for self-care, self-care needs and demands, and emotional paradoxes in self-care. The findings revealed that persons with RA have complex and diverse experiences and needs regarding self-care, facing numerous challenges and Deterrents, and emotional paradoxes in this process. Addressing these barriers, needs, and emotional paradoxes and strengthening facilitators can significantly enhance patients' self-care abilities and improve their quality of life. These insights can also guide the design of effective educational and support programs tailored to this patient population.