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Illness Experiences in Women with Oral Dryness as a Result of Sjögren's Syndrome: The Patient Point of View
Author(s) -
RojasAlcayaga Gonzalo,
Herrera Ronda Andrea,
Espinoza Santander Iris,
Bustos Reydet Claudia,
Ríos Erazo Matías,
Wurmann Pamela,
Sabugo Francisca,
Geenen Rinie
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
musculoskeletal care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.628
H-Index - 28
eISSN - 1557-0681
pISSN - 1478-2189
DOI - 10.1002/msc.1134
Subject(s) - active listening , medicine , qualitative research , grounded theory , coding (social sciences) , clinical psychology , dryness , developmental psychology , psychology , psychotherapist , social science , statistics , mathematics , surgery , sociology
Background Sjögren's syndrome and the associated dryness can have multiple consequences. The aim of the present qualitative study was to give an in‐depth account of the life experiences of women with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and health‐related behaviours, and to summarize these experiences in an integrated model. Methods Twelve women diagnosed with pSS who regularly attended the Hospital of the University of Chile participated in detailed interviews. The data were analysed using qualitative methods based on the principles of grounded theory. Results Selective coding identified three categories: illness experience, social interaction and psychological response. An integrated model was developed connecting these dynamic aspects and suggesting how they could lead to a life cycle crisis in cases of maladjustment. We found that problem‐solving strategies, reconstruction of identity, acceptance and a social support may prevent this life cycle crisis. Discussion Xerostomia and other consequences of pSS can have a profound influence on daily life. However, the severity of the consequences depends on individual experiences with the illness, social influences and the psychological responses of the patient. Physicians, dentists and other healthcare professionals can help the patient by listening to their problems and exploring solutions based on a psychological approach.