@article{ProdingerCiezaWilliamsetal.2008, author = {Prodinger, Birgit and Cieza, A. and Williams, D.A. and Mease, P. and Boonen, A. and Kerschan-Schindl, K. and Fialka-Moser, V. and Smolen, J. and Stucki, G. and Machold, K. and Stamm, T.}, title = {Measuring health in patients with fibromyalgia: Content comparison of questionnaires based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)}, series = {Arthritis Care \& Research}, volume = {59}, journal = {Arthritis Care \& Research}, number = {5}, pages = {650 -- 658}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Objective To analyze the content of outcome measures commonly used to assess health in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) by linking the items of the instruments with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in order to evaluate the adequacy of currently used measures. Methods Questionnaires used in FM were identified in a structured literature search. All concepts included in the items of the questionnaires were linked to ICF categories, according to previously published linking rules, by 2 independent health professionals. The percentages of linked ICF categories addressing the different ICF components were calculated. Results Generic and symptom-specific instruments were included. From the 296 items contained in all 16 instruments, 447 concepts were extracted and then linked to 52 ICF categories of the component body functions, 1 category of the component body structure, 40 categories of the component activities and participation, and 9 categories of the component environmental factors. More than half of the concepts identified were linked to body function, fewer were linked to activities and participation, and only concepts of 4 instruments were linked to the ICF component environmental factors. Conclusion Many concepts were linked to the categories in the ICF component body functions. While linking to the broad category, purportedly similar instruments often covered widely varying areas of function at more fine-grained levels of detail. Some categories, such as environmental factors, were barely covered by any of the instruments and might constitute an important aspect of health deserving better coverage and future development.}, language = {en} } @article{StammMacholdSmolenetal.2010, author = {Stamm, T. A. and Machold, K. P. and Smolen, J. and Prodinger, Birgit}, title = {Life stories of people with rheumatoid arthritis who retired early: how gender and other contextual factors shaped their everyday activities, including paid work}, series = {Musculoskeletal Care}, volume = {8}, journal = {Musculoskeletal Care}, number = {2}, pages = {78 -- 86}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore how contextual factors affect the everyday activities of women and men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as evident in their life stories. Methods: Fifteen people with RA, who had retired early due to the disease, were interviewed up to three times, according to a narrative biographic interview style. The life stories of the participants, which were reconstructed from the biographical data and from the transcribed 'told story' were analysed from the perspective of contextual factors, including personal and environmental factors. The rigour and accuracy of the analysis were enhanced by reflexivity and peer-review of the results. Results: The life stories of the participants in this study reflected how contextual factors (such as gender, the healthcare system, the support of families and social and cultural values) shaped their everyday activities. In a society such as in Austria, which is based on traditional patriarchal values, men were presented with difficulties in developing a non-paid-work-related role. For women, if paid work had to be given up, they were more likely to engage in alternative challenging activities which enabled them to develop reflective skills, which in turn contributed to a positive and enriching perspective on their life stories. Health professionals may thus use some of the women's strategies to help men. Conclusion: Interventions by health professionals in people with RA may benefit from an approach sensitive to personal and environmental factors.}, language = {en} }