Study: Rheumatoid Arthritis Hampers Care of Children

Parents suffering from rheumatoid arthritis often have difficulty performing activities related to the care of their children, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in New Orleans.

Researchers conducted a study of 227 rheumatoid arthritis patients who had children age 18 or younger. The study participants were interviewed by telephone and asked questions concerning difficulties with parenting activities. Separate questions were asked regarding young children (birth to 5 years) and older children (6 to 18 years).

Women were asked about the degree of difficulty they had with each behavior and if they did less of an activity because of their rheumatoid arthritis.

For parents with young children, 88 percent of the current group and 71 percent of the retrospective group reported some difficulty with at least one parenting activity; on average, parents of young children reported difficulty with about half of the activities. The most common problems reported were picking up or carrying children, playing outdoors, and taking care of children while out of the house. On average, for each activity, about one-third of the women reported doing less of the activity because of their rheumatoid arthritis.

For parents with older children, 93 percent of the current group and 78 percent of the retrospective group reported difficulty with at least one parenting activity. Both groups reported difficulty with about one-third of the activities. The most frequent problems reported were playing with children outdoors.

"Rheumatoid arthritis clearly affects parenting activities, particularly when young children are involved," concluded the researchers. "Identification of the problems experienced by parents with rheumatoid arthritis is necessary so that appropriate assistance can be provided to them and their families."

Other sources: American College of Rheumatology