Psychosocial Outcomes and Transition Readiness in JIA

It is widely acknowledged that the transition from paediatric to adult health services should be a multidimensional and multidisciplinary process that addresses the medical, psychosocial, and educational needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA). Despite this, there is currently a scarcity of research examining the relationships between psychosocial factors (e.g., anxiety, social support) and transition readiness in AYA with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This study therefore aimed to examine the relationships between psychosocial factors and transition readiness in pre-transfer adolescents and post-transfer young adults aged 10-25 years diagnosed with JIA at a single centre.

In total, 40 adolescents aged 10-16 years together with a parent/guardian, will take part at Sheffield Children's Hospital and 40 young adults aged 16-25 years will take part at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Participants will be asked to complete a battery of self-report questionnaire measuring psychosocial factors (anxiety/depression, social support, family functioning, health-related quality of life) and transition readiness (transition knowledge and skills, self-efficacy). JIA disease severity was also measured during clinic appointments. This study has received full ethical approval, and all participants will give their written informed assent or consent before taking part.

The results from this research will be important in better understanding which psychosocial factors affect how ready young people with JIA feel to move from paediatric to adult rheumatology services. We hope this research will inform further work to help target psychological interventions in this group of patients.