Being Mindful Affects Experiences and Treatment of Arthritis Patients: A Qualitative Study: Mindfulness and Arthritis

Mahapara Munir; Zartashia Kynat Javaid; Khalid Mahmood; Khalid Parvez; Muhammad Ammar Khan; Amara Liaquat Ali

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v5i07.1738

Authors

Mahapara Munir Madinah Teaching Hospital University Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Zartashia Kynat Javaid Department of Applied Psychology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Khalid Mahmood Department of Applied Psychology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Khalid Parvez Madinah Teaching Hospital University Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Muhammad Ammar Khan Madinah Teaching Hospital University Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Amara Liaquat Ali School of Applied Psychology, University of Utara, Utara, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v5i07.1738

Keywords:

Arthritis, Mindfulness, Thematic Analysis, Pain Control

Abstract

Arthritis, a common chronic disease, presents major difficulties to patients’ functional abilities. Mindfulness therapies may help to compensate for the lack of positive health outcomes that arthritis symptoms cause in a patient’s life. Objective: To describe the perceptions and experiences of the participants of mindfulness practices in Faisalabad, Pakistan, who have arthritis? It describes the attitudes towards mindfulness, its implementation and impact on the symptoms. Methods: There were 7 males and 7 females, and all were selected purposively, aged 31 to 51 years, interviewed by the researcher using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed following themes; awareness, benefits, challenges, ways of managing, and sources of support. Results: Some key issues were identified as elevation in the recognition of the body and mind associations, pain control, strengthening of the emotional aspects, and some issues like time limitations and cultural attitudes. Mindfulness was identified as an important aspect that enabled participants to regain control of their conditions; however, participants stressed the need to design the mindfulness-based interventions that are culturally appropriate or responsive to the informational needs of patients. The results highlight the feasibility of using mindfulness practices for enriching the quality of life of patients. Conclusions: However, the experience of implementation demonstrates that there are various types of barriers, educational needs, and practices as well as cultural beliefs in this sphere. Adapting mindfulness’ intervention to the particular nature and circumstances of arthritis could potentially enhance the programs’ application and acceptance in both clinical and community practicing environments

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