Grant: Undergraduate: Mobility, musculoskeletal health and arthritis - ICS

The goal of the proposed summer research is to conduct a pilot study of arthritis on fathers. Relatively few studies have addressed this form of "unpaid work" in men living with chronic, inflammatory types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. The superior's previous work on mothers with arthritis has demonstrated a number of significant impacts on performing the tasks of parenthood, yet it is unknown if the health and illness factors associated with parenting task limitations are similar in fathers. In particular, the student project will explore the intersection of mobility limitations, physical activity, and performance of parenting tasks by fathers, as well as the psychosocial impact of arthritis on their identity as fathers. The summer project will adapt the mothers survey for use with fathers in a computer-administered format, (a format increasingly requested by study participants with handwriting limitations). Under the direction of the faculty supervisor, the student will recruit 20-40 pilot test participants with the assistance of arthritis consumer organizations, administer the arthritis and parenting survey, enter data into a statistical package, analyze and interpret the data, and report findings to both scientific and lay audiences. She will assist with the development of an operating grant application, incorporating the pilot test findings, so that a larger study may be conducted to answer the main research question: what is the impact of inflammatory arthritis on participation in the day-to-day tasks of fatherhood? Study results will lead to potential strategies for enhancing performance and reducing disability. Helping men with arthritis to fulfill a valued life role as a father is important in maintaining their health, psychological well-being and quality of life.