Migraine & Men(v1.0)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Migraine & Men. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of living with migraine as a man.
IRAS ID
137373
Contact name
Tina Cartwright
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Westminster
Research summary
This is a qualitative research study to explore the experiences of men who suffer from migraine and the impact it has
on their lives.
Migraine has been described as a “common disabling primary headache disorder” and is ranked as the 18th leading
cause of disability in Western Europe. In addition, it has been described as demanding “an urgent need for
acceptance, education and scientific interest”.
It has been suggested that healthcare professionals who understand the impact of migraine on their patients’ lives are
in a better position to help them and several researchers recommend more qualitative research is required to support
this. Whilst several studies have focused on women's experiences of migraine, very little, if any attention has been paid
to men. Yet in England, 7.6% of men have migraine which makes it more common than diabetes.
This study will recruit adult men in full time employment to explore the impact migraine has on their work, family and
social lives. Participants will be recruited from the National Migraine Centre in London and will be interviewed
individually for between 6090
minutes, either at their home or in a private room at the University of Westminster.
Interviews will be semistructured
with an emphasis on men telling their own stories in their own words. These
accounts will be analysed in detail to identify individual and common themes.
With the intention of increasing an understanding of men’s migraine experiences, the aim of this study is to draw
attention to the impact migraine has on men’s lives and their sense of self. It is hoped that publication of the research
findings will encourage men to seek healthcare professional attention and open healthcare professionals’ eyes and
minds to enact timely diagnoses and appropriate treatment.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
14/WS/0127
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion