Gujarati translation and adherence testing of Stretching and Strengthening of Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand (SARAH).

Abstract

Stretching and strengthening for rheumatoid arthritis of the hand (SARAH) is a progressive and individually designed recommended treatment exercise program. The aim was to translate the SARAH hand exercise program into Gujarati and assess the adherence rate, usefulness, and understanding of the Gujarati SARAH exercise program. Mixed-method qualitative study was conducted among 25 participants at the outpatient departments of Institute Nadiad and Niruj Rheumatology Clinic, Gujarat, and via professional contact, a telephonic semi-structured interview was conducted among 13 participants using an interview guide, and interviews were audio-recorded following transcription verbatim. Overall adherence rates of 25 participants to a 12-week exercise program were determined using the cross-sectional method. IBM SPSS software version 23.0 was used for analyzing quantitative data, and NVivo Plus version 11 was used for qualitative data. The adherence rate was 97.22%. Participants completed all 72 sessions (<i>n</i> = 7) with an adherence rate of 100%. The least number of sessions completed was 25 (<i>n</i> = 2), with an adherence rate of 34% due to a lack of interest in exercising on a daily basis. Qualitative findings showed that the booklet is understandable, useful, and beneficial in terms of reducing symptoms and improving activities of daily life as well as occupational work. The translated strengthening and stretching for rheumatoid arthritis in the hand exercise booklet is effective and beneficial to patients who exercise at home. Participants can self-track their exercise by using dairy, which eliminates travel costs and attendance at clinic sessions.