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Objectives: Pernicious anemia (PA) is a chronic condition caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. This is a qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), which aimed to explore the patients lived experience of diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Eleven semistructured interviews were conducted in PA patients; these covered participants’ diagnostic and treatment journeys, the responses of others to their diagnosis, and the role health professionals have played in their medical care. Interviews were analyzed for recurrent themes using IPA. Results: Three superordinate themes were identified: “The struggle to achieve a diagnosis,” “The significance of a diagnosis,” and “Battling for sufficient treatment.” Participants were dissatisfied with their medical care due to diagnostic delay, insufficient treatment, and poor relationships with their health professionals. Many experienced, anticipated, and internalized stigma, which led to a reduced quality of life and withdrawal from the medical profession. Discussion: Participants’ interactions with their health professionals hindered their adaptation to their condition; this affected their psychological and physical well-being. Increased clinician awareness of stigma in the PA population symptoms and effective patient-centered communication is required.

This study set out to explore the perceptions of young people from two deprived former mining communities in South Wales about their present and future selves. An opportunity sample of 11 teenagers was asked to describe a normal and an ideal day in their lives. Interview transcripts were submitted to a theory-led analysis to gauge the components of young people's selves and their hopes and fears of the future. Findings indicated diversity in the young people's future selves. While some young people were able to construct positive future selves despite adversity, others perceived no resources for a positive future, particularly if they shouldered heavy caring responsibilities, or suffered a lack of respect and recognition. Findings demonstrate powerfully that general protective or risk factors do not simply determine young people's perceived developmental paths, but rather that factors from both micro-and macro-systems work in unique combination for each individual in creating upward -or downward -developmental trajectories. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.

Pernicious anemia (PA) is a chronic condition that is usually treated using B12 injections. Due to the pandemic, many patients were prescribed an alternative oral B12 treatment. There is limited evidence that this is effective at managing symptoms of PA. The aim of this study was to document treatment changes across the United Kingdom and the impact on patient experience. An online survey explored how the treatment of PA has been managed during the early stages of the pandemic; responses were analyzed for a subsample of participants receiving prescribed B12 injections and where changes in treatment applied (n = 329) using content analysis. The most common reported change was the suspension of injections, with oral B12 being offered as an alternative treatment. Patients were concerned about the long-term impact that changes would have on their condition management, and many stated that they were dissatisfied with the level of care received. Those who were supported by health care providers to continue their usual treatment reported experiencing improved health and well-being. This study highlights the major impact of treatment changes on patient health outcomes and the need to further support health care professionals with PA management during and beyond the pandemic.

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