The significance of participation in peer support groups for people with rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: This study examines how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) peer support groups affect patients' lives and identifies the roles of these groups. METHODS: Twelve RA patients from a peer support group participated in a focus group interview discussing reasons for joining, emotional changes, and disease management. Data were analysed using qualitative methods. RESULTS: The analysis identified 65 codes, organized into 22 subcategories and synthesized into five pre- and five post-membership experience categories. The five pre-membership categories were: prolonged time for diagnosis, persistent anxiety even after starting treatment, expectation of interacting with peers with the same disease, encounter with the peer support group, and decision to join due to worsening condition. The five post-membership categories were meeting peers with whom they could empathize, need to understand their own illnesses, diverse information from other members' experiences, active participation in treatment and a place to belong and share with understanding peers. The group was considered to be a supportive community where patients can obtain necessary information, peer support, and increased treatment motivation. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that peer support group could be valuable social resources, helping patients manage illness and improve quality of life.