Qualitatively exploring the experiences of men with RA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative exploration of the experiences, self-management styles and support needs of men with rheumatoid arthritis
IRAS ID
130303
Contact name
Caroline Flurey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of England
Research summary
Men cope with stress and illness differently to women. For example, whilst women talk to friends about their worries, men are more likely to manage alone. Men are taught to value traditional masculine ideals (e.g. physical strength, physically-active hobbies, physical work, not talking about feelings, nor asking for help).
These ideals can be challenged by RA, which limits physical strength, ability and stamina. Men can therefore find it hard to ask for help if they are struggling to manage their RA. As there are more female than male RA patients, current educational support for coping and self-management has been designed for female patients’ needs (e.g. group sessions that include discussing feelings). The researcher’s (CF) previous research suggests that men struggle to manage their RA and don’t find support that’s currently offered, delivered in a way they wish to access. Thus, men may not be receiving support suited to their needs.Male participants will take part in focus groups to discuss their experiences of living with RA, how they currently self-manage and the content and style of the support they would like to receive.
The broader issues raised in the focus groups will then be used to inform one to one interviews with men. Male participants will be interviewed to explore the lived experience of being a man with RA and to explore the issues raised in the focus groups in more depth.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0852
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion