The iPeer2Peer Program for Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

The iPeer2Peer Program for Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The iPeer2Peer program matches teens with arthritis to an older mentor who has learned to manage their arthritis well and can support them emotionally and socially. This study will compare two groups of teens: those who are in the iPeer2Peer Program and those in the control group (no mentor).

Arthritis is a common childhood illness that makes everyday activities hard for young people. It is a long-lasting illness that can make you feel pain, tired and emotionally upset. This can make it hard for children and teens to see friends and do the activities that they like. The goal of this project is to find out if the newly developed peer mentoring program called iPeer2Peer helps teens with arthritis take better care of their illness and feel more connected to other people with arthritis. The iPeer2Peer program matches teens with arthritis to an older mentor who has learned to manage their arthritis well and can support them emotionally and socially. This study will compare two groups of teens: those who are in the iPeer2Peer Program and those in the control group (no mentor).

Inclusion Criteria:

• males and females 12-18 years old
• rheumatologist-diagnosed JIA according to ILAR criteria
• able to speak and read English
• access to a computer, smartphone or tablet capable of using free Skype software (note: participants who do not have adequate Internet access will be provided with portable Internet sticks)
• willing and able to complete online measures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• significant cognitive impairments
• major co-morbid illnesses (medical or psychiatric conditions) likely to influence HRQL assessment
• participating in other peer support or self-management interventions.