title: Experiencing work as a daily challenge: the case of scleroderma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Little is known about the physical and discretionary aspects of work that people with scleroderma (SSc) find difficult. This article describes the findings from a study that explored the challenges and adaptations made by individuals with SSc to continue to work.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two employed individuals with SSc participated. Participants were predominantly women (82%), white (79%), and well educated (M = 16.9 years). The average age was 47.3 years, and 60.6% were married. Mean disease duration was 9.7 years, and 56.2% had diffuse SSc. Mean years on the job was 10.2 (SD ± 8.8), and 71.9% worked at least 35 hours per week.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants engaged in a single structured interview about work-related challenges and adaptations. Content and thematic analysis was used to identify key themes across the interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Employees with SSc experienced Work as a daily challenge. This central theme described the general work experience for most participants. Three subthemes described their specific experiences: The work environment: Opportunities, challenges, and accommodations; Career planning; and Supportive others.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The participants were anxious to find scenarios that allowed them to continue to work. Worksite accommodations and flexibility in scheduling can make the difference between working and disability.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-5688, USA. cfmendelson@salud.unm.edu
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mendelson
authors.forename: Janet L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Poole
authors.forename: Saralynn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Allaire
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011361:Professional Competence; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014931:Women, Working / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance