A qualitative exploration of support for men with rheumatic diseases
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative exploration of support for men with rheumatic diseases
IRAS ID
245390
Contact name
Caroline Flurey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of england
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Rheumatic diseases cause inflammation in the bones, muscles and joints, and in some cases can also affect the internal organs. Research has suggested differences in the way that men and women experience and cope with rheumatic diseases. The emphasis placed by society on ‘masculinity’ may mean that men feel less able to acknowledge pain and emotional distress. Men may demonstrate a poorer knowledge of health and are far less likely to use available health services than women.
Previous research has explored the coping strategies of men with rheumatoid arthritis, who stated that they would prefer information based support, such as online information, or a question and answer session with a consultant or specialist nurse. However, it is not known whether these findings are relevant to men across all rheumatic conditions, and there is a lack of research into self-management strategies used by men with other rheumatic diseases such as Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and the Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD). Learning more about the requirements of male patients with other rheumatic diseases may help with the development of support services across conditions.
Researchers in the current study will carry out 7-10 focus groups, each involving around 4-6 male participants from three NHS trusts. The focus groups will cover impact, coping, masculinity and educational needs (content and delivery of support, as well as exploring the outcomes men would value from support services). Prior to the focus groups participants will also be asked to complete a questionnaire about their demographic and clinical characteristics.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EM/0132
Date of REC Opinion
8 May 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion