Cynthia MacDonald MSc Candidate
ARC Trainee

Rehabilitation Sciences
University of British Columbia

Cynthia MacDonald is MSc candidate in the Rehabilitation Sciences Research Graduate Program at the University of British Columbia. For Cynthia’s thesis, she will be conducting a survey with people recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In RA, early medical intervention is essential.

There is sufficient evidence to support initiating disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs within three months of onset of RA to prevent irreversible joint damage. However, many people are not seeking help early. This gap in early help-seeking translates into lost opportunities for patients to achieve the optimal outcome. There is a well established relationship between social support, positive health outcomes, and health utilization. Social support has been associated with positive health behaviours, such as healthy eating, exercise, smoking cessation, seat belt use, undergoing regular screening for diseases, and appropriate use of health services such as medical and dental care. This thesis project will provide an understanding about social support and the timing of help-seeking for the initial symptoms of RA.