Psychosocial Outcomes and Transition Readiness in Uveitis

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 uveitis. This study therefore aims 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, 25 adolescents aged 10-16 years, together with a parent/guardian, will participate at Sheffield Children's Hospital and 10 young adults aged 16-25 years will participate at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Participants completed 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). Uveitis disease severity was also measured during clinic appointments. A subset of participants will also be asked to take part in a focus group. This study received full ethical approval, and all participants will give their written informed assent or consent before taking part.