Genetic and Social Network Correlates of Rheumatoid Arthritis Outcomes in Hispanic Populations: A Prospective Study
Condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis
MeSH terms: Arthritis; Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      Background:

      Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more severe in Hispanic people. Genetics plays a role. But
      social issues may also lead to more severe RA in Hispanics. Some Hispanics may not seek help
      for early symptoms. Support from family and friends may persuade people to seek treatment
      earlier. Researchers want to learn more about how social factors affect RA in Hispanics.

      Objective:

      This natural history study will explore genetic and social factors related to RA in Hispanic
      families.

      Eligibility: People aged 18 years or older of Hispanic/Latino heritage. They may have RA or
      RA symptoms; they may also have a relative or partner with RA or RA symptoms.

      Design:

      Participants will receive an email or text with a link to a 30-minute online survey. They
      will answer questions about these things:

      Physical and emotional health

      How health problems affect their life

      Family history of RA and other conditions

      Cultural identity and language preference

      Participants may also answer these questions in a phone call or an in-person interview.

      Participants will be asked to list people in their social network. They will answer questions
      about those relationships. They will be asked if they want to invite their family and friends
      to participate in the study.

      If more than 1 person from a participant s family takes part in the study, they may be
      invited for an interview. They will answer questions about how arthritis pain affects their
      mind and body.

      Participants will give a sample of saliva. They will spit into a vial. They will mail it in
      using a prepaid label.
    

Detailed description: 
      Study Description:

      Adult participants of Hispanic origin experiencing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and
      their family members will be invited to participate in surveys and interviews to assess RA
      severity (affected individuals only), functional limitations, psychological well-being, use
      of health service, and family networks. Genotyping will be performed on saliva samples
      collected from consenting participants to evaluate genetic risk of severe RA in the
      population under study.

      Objectives:

      The primary objective is to identify the interpersonal mechanisms underlying RA-related
      health communication and health service use in Hispanic populations. The secondary objective
      is to characterize genetic risk of severe RA in Hispanic populations and determine how
      interpersonal mechanisms moderate such genetic risk.

      Endpoints:

      Primary Endpoint: Evaluate the associations between structural properties of the participants
      personal networks and RA-related health communication and use of health service

      Secondary Endpoint: Evaluate the associations between family networks, RA-related health
      communication and use of health service, and RA severity across levels of genetic
      susceptibility
    

Observational model: Cohort
Time perspective: Prospective
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Adult participants of Hispanic origin experiencing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and
        their family members
      
Keywords: Joint; Pain; Health Service Use; Immigrants; Natural History