title: Participation in work in early rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative interview study interpreted in terms of the ICF.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore what work-related dilemmas are experienced by patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to their own descriptions, and to interpret this in terms of participation categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).
  
  
  METHODS
  In 48 patients with early RA, qualitative interviews were analyzed, followed by linking of concepts to the activity/participation component of the ICF and interpretation of general themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Work-related dilemmas represented different societal perspectives on work related to acquiring, keeping and terminating a job, self-employment, part-time, full-time and non-remunerative employment. Dilemmas also represented participation priorities in economic self-sufficiency, self-care such as health care, and avoiding social relationships and recreation in favor of work. Leisure time was influenced because efforts of working took energy and time of day-to-day procedures. Embedded actions in work-related dilemmas were carrying out daily routine, mobility including using transportation, self-care, domestic life and social interaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The general themes societal perspectives, participation priorities and embedded actions, with the included ICF categories that are described in detail according to the experiences of the patients, can support clinical reasoning and research on quantitative relations to disease activity, body functions, ability and contextual factors.
authors: Rehabilitation Section, NSC, County Council of Östergötland, Linköping University Hosptial , Linköping , Sweden .
authors: Annette
authors: A
authors: Sverker
authors: Ingrid
authors: I
authors: Thyberg
authors: Gunnel
authors: G
authors: Ostlund
authors: Eva
authors: E
authors: Waltersson
authors: Mikael
authors: M
authors: Thyberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D064702:International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult