“This is life”: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the lived experience of working-age adults with inherited retinal diseases in Singapore

Bridging abstraction and action: Phenomenology and public health research and practice

Objectives

To explore the role of phenomenological research in public health, highlighting its contributions, challenges, and practical implications.

Study design

A narrative review informed by studies employing phenomenological methodologies published in the journals Public Health and Public Health in Practice.

Methods

Using the search keywords "phenomenology" and "phenomenological", eligible original studies were identified in the journals Public Health and Public Health in Practice. The characteristics and findings of the studies were reviewed and discussed in relation to how phenomenology may lead to actionable public health interventions.

Results

A total of six studies were reviewed. Data collection methods across the studies included semi-structured interviews, audio and written diaries, and participatory approaches. Analysis techniques commonly used frameworks like Colaizzi's method and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The studies addressed a range of public health issues, including barriers to postpartum diabetes screening, experiences of midwives during the pandemic, and strategies for chlamydia screening. Key findings included the depth of lived experiences, the impact of stigma, and the importance of culturally adapted interventions, albeit findings derived from small, purposive samples may face criticism regarding generalisability.

Conclusions

There is a notable paucity of phenomenological research in the field of public health. As a methodology, phenomenology enriches public health research and practice by illuminating subjective dimensions of the lived experience often overlooked by traditional metrics. Though challenging to execute, the methodology can achieve a balance between abstraction and actionable outcomes, advancing public health practices that are both empathetic and inclusive.

"I miss stars, too": a thematic analysis of the experiences of persons with retinitis pigmentosa using Reddit

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a progressive retinal disorder that affects the emotional, psychological, and social lives of those afflicted. With limited effective treatments, understanding the personal challenges faced by individuals with RP is essential for developing holistic care strategies. Informed by a critical realist epistemology, posts and comments from two central subreddit threads with at least 30 comments each were extracted and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. A total of 69 posts from 36 unique commenters were coded, and themes were derived through team discussions and an iterative process to identify recurring patterns in the data. Three key themes were identified: (1) navigating grief and loss, reflecting the emotional toll of progressive vision loss and the associated loss of independence and cherished activities; (2) establishing independence through coping mechanisms, which involved using technology, adapting hobbies, and emotional resilience to manage the impacts of RP; and (3) maintaining a delicate balance between hope and frustration with treatments, highlighting participants' mixed feelings toward emerging therapies like gene therapy and their perceived efficacy. In summary, the findings underscore the complex psychological and emotional challenges faced by individuals with RP and the need for more holistic care services. Understanding these experiences is crucial for healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers to better support the RP community. Future research should focus on the psychological impacts of RP, the effectiveness of coping strategies, and outcomes of supportive interventions to enhance the quality of life of those affected.

Lived experiences of patients, families and caregivers affected by inherited retinal diseases: A qualitative systematic review

BACKGROUND

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders, and a leading cause of vision impairment or blindness, affecting millions worldwide. Despite advances in understanding its phenotype, the physical and psychological impacts of IRDs on patients and their families and caregivers remain underexplored.

OBJECTIVE

This review thus aimed to summarize the existing literature in this area.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines and using search terms such as "inherited retinal disease", "psychological impact", "social impact", and "qualitative research", a systematic search was conducted across PubMed Central, EMBASE, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases up to February 29, 2024, for qualitative studies on the impact of IRDs. The findings were then synthesized narratively to provide a cohesive interpretation.

RESULTS

A total of 20 studies involving 474 participants across six countries (Australia, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, the UK, and the US) were included. Key themes included the significant impact on daily living and independence, work and professional life, coping strategies and resilience, and the emotional burden on families and caregivers. Genetic testing and its implications (reproductive decisions and insurance discrimination) also emerged as an area of concern. IRDs profoundly affect patients and their families and caregivers, influencing daily life, well-being, and societal participation.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the challenges, resilience and adaptability are prominent, and the findings emphasize the need for comprehensive care that includes psychological support, work adjustments and policies that address the needs of this population. Understanding these quality-of-life issues and areas of unmet need is relevant for healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers globally.