Experiences of patients with rheumatoid arthritis during and after COVID-19-induced quarantine in terms of physical activity and health status: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore experiences of people with rheumatoid arthritis during and after COVID-19-induced quarantine in terms of physical activity and health status. Background: Rheumatoid arthritis affects multiple facets of the person, both physically and psychologically. Physical activity is considered a safe and effective intervention to improve symptoms and systemic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. In the context of the COVID-19, countries like Spain were forced to impose restrictions on mobility, prohibiting outings even to perform physical activity. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted and developed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 questionnaire. Data were analysed using a six-step thematic analysis. Results: The results make it clear that even though the patients declared that physical activity is essential for them to deal with their disease, most of the participants affirmed that they significatively reduced their levels of physical activity during the pandemic. Conclusions: Physical activity should be promoted in people, even in difficult times, to improve disease outcomes, well-being and mental health. Implications for Nursing Management: Knowing the experiences of these patients enables nursing managers to develop interventions that ensure the delivery of comprehensive nursing care regarding physical activity and health status, in future situations like this pandemic.