RecruitingInterventional

A feasibility study of an online support programme to help South Asian people newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis manage their condition

Rheumatoid arthritis often affects people from South Asian backgrounds at a much younger age than White individuals. Because most health guides are only in English, getting clear advice on managing joint pain, work, and family life can be tough. This NHS-supported study looks at 'Apni Jung' (meaning 'Our Fight'), an online video programme created specifically for South Asian communities. It is delivered in Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu. Researchers want to see if this programme helps people newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis feel more confident looking after their health. Half the participants will try the online programme alongside their normal NHS care, while the other half receive usual NHS care first and get access to the programme three months later. Everyone receives their standard NHS treatments throughout.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

Start

30 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

What is this study about?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Research shows that people from South Asian backgrounds are often diagnosed up to 30 years earlier than White individuals, often in their forties. At this stage of life, many people are busy raising families and building careers, which can make coping with a new, painful condition especially challenging.

Most medical guides and advice leaflets in the UK are written only in English. This creates unfair barriers for people who feel more comfortable speaking and listening in languages like Hindi, Punjabi, or Urdu. The 'Apni Jung' programme—which means 'Our Fight'—was created to close this gap. It provides culturally relevant, easy-to-follow online videos and advice to help people understand their condition and learn simple ways to look after their joints every day.

This feasibility study is testing how well the programme works across six NHS hospital trusts in the Midlands. Researchers want to see if the videos are easy to use and helpful. If this small study goes well, it will lead to a larger national trial to help improve care and support for South Asian families across the UK.

Key takeaways

Tests an online support programme called Apni Jung ('Our Fight') for South Asian adults with rheumatoid arthritis.
Available in Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu to make joint health information clear and accessible.
Open to adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis within the last 12 months.
All participants continue their standard NHS care and will get access to the programme.
Participation takes three months and involves short questionnaires, a weekly health diary, and viewing short online videos.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are 18 or older, come from a South Asian background, and have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis within the past 12 months. You must also be able to communicate in Hindi, Punjabi, or Urdu.

Because the programme is hosted online, you will need access to the internet, a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer so you can watch videos on platforms like YouTube.

People from non-South Asian backgrounds cannot join this particular study, as the materials have been tailored specifically to South Asian languages and cultural needs. You also cannot take part if you have already used the Apni Jung programme in the past or are directly involved in planning this research.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or older.
I am from a South Asian background.
I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis within the last 12 months.
I can speak and understand Hindi, Punjabi, or Urdu.
I have access to the internet, a smartphone, or a computer to watch videos.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be placed by chance into one of two groups. One group will receive their usual NHS hospital care plus access to the 2 to 3 hour 'Apni Jung' online programme. The other group will receive their usual NHS care as normal, and will be given full access to the online programme after three months.

Taking part lasts for about three months. At the start and end of the study, you will fill in a questionnaire about your health, which takes around 20 minutes. A bilingual researcher who speaks Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu will be there to help you complete these forms. You will also keep a simple weekly diary noting any doctor visits or hospital appointments. If you try the online programme, you will also take part in a one-hour telephone chat to share your thoughts on how helpful it was. Your prescribed medications and standard NHS clinic visits will not change.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part offers the benefit of free access to health information videos in your chosen language, designed to help you manage your arthritis with greater confidence. Your feedback will also help shape better healthcare for other people in your community. There are no medical risks involved, as you will continue with all your normal NHS treatments. The only drawback is the time needed to watch the videos, keep a weekly diary, and complete the questionnaires. Joining is completely voluntary, and you are free to leave the study at any time without your regular NHS medical care being affected.

Locations (6)

New Cross Hospital
Approximate
Wolverhampton, England
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Approximate
Birmingham, England
Solihull Hospital
Approximate
Solihull, England
Leicester Royal Infirmary
Approximate
Leicester, England
Birmingham City Hospital
Approximate
Birmingham, England
Sandwell Health Campus
Unverified
West Bromwich, England

Common questions

Will my usual NHS arthritis treatments change?

No. You will continue to take your normal medications and attend your regular hospital clinic visits exactly as planned by your NHS doctor.

What language will the study materials be in?

The programme and study support are available in Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, with bilingual staff on hand to help you.

Do I have to pay anything to take part?

No. The programme is completely free, though you will need an internet connection to watch the online videos.

What happens if I am placed in the usual care group?

You will continue your normal NHS care, fill in the questionnaires, and receive full access to the Apni Jung programme after three months.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You can stop taking part at any time without giving a reason, and your NHS care will stay exactly the same.

How to find out more

Lorraine Jacques

lorraine.jacques@nhs.net +44 (0)1902 695065 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.