Document Type

Department Honors Thesis

Publication Date

5-15-2020

First Advisor

Renée Beard

Abstract

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune condition that involves the fusion of the axial skeleton. AS has a lengthy diagnostic delay, which dramatically impacts treatment and quality of life. A qualitative content analysis of over 100 illness narratives and social media blog posts was conducted to understand the struggles of young people with AS who sought answers for what was wrong with their bodies. The results showed that there were many struggles on the journey to finding a diagnosis, such as the doctor-patient relationship, the age of onset, access to medical care, gender/pregnancy, and the variation in symptomology. Furthermore, once diagnosed, there are many social implications including the language used to describe AS and how people with AS define their new lives with a chronic condition. Also, AS impacts their relationships, careers, and mental health. Overall, support groups and social media provided a positive environment where others could share advice on treatments and self-health advocacy and experience social solidarity. Therefore, trust, better education, and more awareness of Ankylosing Spondylitis are needed to help bridge the gap between medical care and people living with AS.

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