Living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract

AbstractPurpose The purpose of the current study was to get a deeper insight into adolescents' experience of life with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in the transition process from childhood to adult life, as described by young adults with JIA.Methods The method used was individual qualitative interview, and 15 young adults were interviewed. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach.Results From childhood into adult life, living with JIA involves struggle and adjustment to an insecure everyday life and an unpredictable life course. The informants' experiences emerged as dicotomies on a continuum describing the dynamics in life experiences individually and over time. The categories include bodily experiences of limitations or freedom, being acknowledged or set aside in interpersonal relationships, and intrapersonal experiences of insecurity or confidence. The findings indicate a change to greater acceptance and adjustment to the disease over time. However, the perception of being weak and different continued, and in adult life concerns about future health and life were more pronounced.Conclusion The impact of JIA on life in a time of transition from childhood to adult life involves complex challenges on coping strategies and adjustment processes. Understanding this complexity is urgent for health professionals in order to contribute to both normal developmental task achievements and overall well‐being for young people with JIA.