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Patient perspectives of managing fatigue in Ankylosing Spondylitis, and views on potential interventions: a qualitative study.
- Source :
-
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders . 2013, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p163-163. 1p. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- <bold>Background: </bold>Fatigue is a major component of living with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), though it has been largely over-looked, and currently there are no specific agreed management strategies.<bold>Methods: </bold>This qualitative exploratory study involved participants who are members of an existing population-based ankylosing spondylitis (PAS) cohort. Participants residing in South West Wales were invited to participate in a focus group to discuss; (1) effects of fatigue, (2) self-management strategies and (3) potential future interventions. The focus groups were audio-recorded and the transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.<bold>Results: </bold>Participants consisted of 3 males/4 females (group 1) and 4 males/3 females (group 2), aged between 35 and 73 years (mean age 53 years). Three main themes were identified: (1) The effects of fatigue were multi-dimensional with participants expressing feelings of being 'drained' (physical), 'upset' (emotional) and experiencing 'low-mood' (psychological); (2) The most commonly reported self-management strategy for fatigue was a balanced combination of activity (exercise) and rest. Medication was reluctantly taken due to side-effects and worries over dependency; (3) Participants expressed a preference for psychological therapies rather than pharmacological for managing fatigue. Information on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was received with interest, with recommendations for delivery in a group format with the option of distance-based delivery for people who were not able to attend a group course.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Patients frequently try and manage their fatigue without any formal guidance or support. Our research indicates there is a need for future research to focus on psychological interventions to address the multi-faceted aspects of fatigue in AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14712474
- Volume :
- 14
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 104164847
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-14-163