Background/Purpose: The transition to adulthood for young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may be a difficult period with challenges in socio-professional integration and in transition to adult care. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived needs of young people with JIA transitioning to adulthood and to explore the role occupational therapists (OTs).

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Recruitment was done at a rehabilitation center in Montreal. Participants were young people and adults (18 to 45 years of age) with a diagnosis of JIA. Semi-structured interviews were conducted (n=5). A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted using QDAMiner software.

Results: Participants reported the following difficulties when participating in productive roles: making the right career choice, accomplishing work-related tasks and meeting job requirements despite disease symptoms and dealing with work-related absences. In terms of transition to adult care, youth reported difficulties handling their new responsibilities and the lesser support from health professionals and parents. Participants also mentioned that they would have liked more information about the process and better planning of transfer to adult care. Finally, the role of the occupational therapists (OTs) was only known by the participants who received these services. According to participants, the OT’s role was rooted in preventing and in enhancing function in activities of daily living and rarely included interventions focused on meaningful productive activities.

Conclusion: These preliminary results indicated that the vocational needs of youth with JIA may be underserved. Further research is needed to understand how OTs may fill this gap.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/needs-of-youth-with-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis-during-the-transition-to-adulthood/