Experiencing work as a daily challenge: The case of scleroderma

摘要

Abstract.nOBJECTIVE: Little is known about the physical and discretionary aspects of work that people with scleroderma (SSc) findndifficult. This article describes the findings from a study that explored the challenges and adaptations made by individuals withnSSc to continue to work.nPARTICIPANTS: Thirty-two employed individuals with SSc participated. Participants were predominantly women (82%),nwhite (79%), and well educated (M = 16.9 years). The average age was 47.3 years, and 60.6% were married. Mean diseasenduration was 9.7 years, and 56.2% had diffuse SSc. Mean years on the job was 10.2 (SD ± 8.8), and 71.9% worked at leastn35 hours per week.nMETHODS: Participants engaged in a single structured interview about work-related challenges and adaptations. Content andnthematic analysis was used to identify key themes across the interviews.nRESULTS: Employees with SSc experiencedWork as a daily challenge. This central theme described the generalwork experiencenfor most participants. Three subthemes described their specific experiences: The work environment: Opportunities, challenges,nand accommodations; Career planning; and Supportive others.nCONCLUSIONS: The participants were anxious to find scenarios that allowed them to continue to work. Worksite accommodationsnand flexibility in scheduling can make the difference between working and disability.