The effect of rheumatoid arthritis on the social situation of housewives

Abstract

Thirty-seven housewives treated in hospital for rheumatoid arthritis were investigated with particular reference to their husbands' reactions. Although most patients had 'accepted' the disease, many were distressed by both the physical aspects of it (tiredness, pain and limitation of activities) and by the psychological aspects (guilt, fear of being a burden, and not understanding the disease). In 70% it was felt that their husbands understood the disease, but half the patients had difficulties in coping with the anxiety of their husbands. Those whose arthritis had developed before marriage fared better in terms of fear of losing their independence, understanding the disease, guilt feelings, adjustment to the disease, their husbands' understanding and friction in the home. Patients with milder disease were more anxious, but experienced the greater understanding of their husbands. Help was required in enabling the patients to cope with their fears, to manage practically, and to deal with the anxiety of their husbands. Help in coping with the fears and in allaying the anxiety of their husbands was most required in those with mild disease and those in whom it had progressed to become socially disabling, but without confining the patients to their homes.