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Early Parenthood with Arthritis: Understanding How Mental Health is Affected and Identifying Support Needs
Early-Parenthood-and-Arthritis_PLS-Image
Scientific Study Title:
Mental Health in Individuals with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases During the Transition to Parenthood: A Mixed Methods Study to Identify Associated Factors and Support Needs
Start Date:
  • 2025
End Date:
  • 2026
Research Category
Tags
Deborah Da Costa, Research Team Member, Arthritis Research Canada
Deborah Da Costa
Research Scientist, Psychology, PhD
Mary De Vera, Research Team Member, Arthritis Research Canada
Mary De Vera
MSc, PhD, Associate Director of Training, Senior Scientist, Pharmacoepidemiology
Paul Fortin, Research Team Member, Arthritis Research Canada
Paul Fortin
Senior Scientist, Rheumatology, MD, MPH, FRCPC
Nicole Andersen, Research Team Member, Arthritis Research Canada
Nicole Andersen
BA, MA, PhD Candidate

Why do this research?

Reason For Research

People with autoimmune arthritis face added challenges as new parents that can negatively impact their mental health. Our study aims to better understand the mental health of parents with a chronic illness, and identify support needs.

What will be done?

Execution of Research

Participants will be asked to fill out an online survey asking about their disease, symptoms, mental health difficulties they may have faced, parenting experiences, and how their healthcare providers can better support them.

Who Can Participate?

You will be eligible if you:

  • Have autoimmune arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile onset arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), or arthritis from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or Crohn’s disease)
  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Have a child aged 12 and under

Participation Involves:

  • You will be asked to fill out an online survey (30-40 min) and you will receive a $15 gift card.
  • A small group of participants will be invited to a virtual/telephone interview to get more in-depth information.

How to Join the Study:

If interested, please fill out our sign-up form here: www.ARDs-Parenthood.ca

A member of the research team will contact you to enroll you.

Ready to Participate?

Want to participate in this study? Learn more here.
Participate Now

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