Clinical outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are improved if the disease is treated early. However, treatment is often significantly delayed as a result of delayed help-seeking by patients who fail to recognize its symptoms or the need for rapid medical attention. Two studies were conducted to investigate the role of symptom recognition in help-seeking for the symptoms of RA, and compared this to symptom recognition and help-seeking in angina and bowel cancer.
A qualitative interview study with 31 individuals and a survey of 1,088 members of the general public (all without RA) were conducted. Both studies used vignettes describing the symptoms of RA, bowel cancer, and angina. Participants made causal attributions and rated the perceived seriousness of the symptoms and the urgency with which they would seek medical help if confronted with these symptoms.
Only a small proportion of participants in both studies recognized the symptoms of RA, whereas the symptoms of bowel cancer and angina were readily recognized by many participants and considered to be more serious and to require more rapid medical attention (Z = 14.7-34.2, P < 0.001).
Accurate symptom attribution and the perception that symptoms are indicative of a serious underlying condition are both important drivers for rapid help-seeking. In the case of angina and bowel cancer, recent campaigns have promoted not only recognition of symptoms and their seriousness, but also emphasized the consequences of not seeking timely help. Our results suggest that these consequences should also be addressed in any public health campaign for RA.