Qualitative Perspectives of Youth with Juvenile Arthritis Regarding Eating and Body Image

Objective Youth with juvenile arthritis (JA) frequently experience significant challenges including chronic pain, disability, and psychological concerns such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, adolescence is a critical period of development for body image and disordered eating concerns to emerge, and JA is associated with dietary and body changes. This study explored youth’s experiences with juvenile arthritis, eating, and body image. Method Twelve youths with a JA diagnosis ( M = 14.25 years; 66% cisgender girl) participated in a semi-structured qualitative interview examining their experiences with JA and their feelings about their bodies and food as they relate to their disease. Data was analyzed through a grounded theory approach. Results Four primary themes were identified: ability status, symptom severity, medication side effects, and dietary restrictions. Generally, participants attributed lower ability status, increased JA symptoms, medication side effects, and dietary restrictions to having a negative impact on their body image and relationship with food. Participants also attributed having a more positive body image and a better relationship with food during periods of remission. Conlusion Youth with juvenile arthritis have a variety of experiences unique to their disease that impact their body image and their relationship with food. Findings support the need for providers to be aware of the potential for risk of eating pathology and body image concerns in youth with juvenile arthritis. There is also a need for additional eating behavior and body image research in youth with juvenile arthritis and other autoimmune illnesses.