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Men's experiences of rheumatoid arthritis: An inductive thematic analysis

Noddings, Robert; Lack, Sarah; Hewlett, Sarah

Authors

Robert Noddings

Sarah Lack



Abstract

Objectives. There is a lack of evidence for understanding the clinical needs of men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study investigated the psychosocial experience of this group, to inform clinical practice and generate further research. Methods. Twelve adult male patients with RA were interviewed once. Interview data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis procedure. Categories and themes were validated by a second researcher and a male RA patient research partner. Results. Four themes were generated: loss of power and control; use of power and control; adjustment; influencing factors (age, pain, medication, relationships and health staff communication). Loss of power and control left participants vulnerable to low mood. Participants asserted power and control over RA by adopting a problem-solving stance in order to continue with ordinary life. An accepting attitude characterized the adjustment theme where men respected their bodies' limits. The final theme consisted of factors which influenced these three themes. Discussion. These data suggest that when RA results in loss of personal power and control, patients experience distress, which they may not express to their clinicians. Findings indicate directions for further research investigating the possibility that men and women may have differing clinical needs. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Citation

Noddings, R., Lack, S., & Hewlett, S. (2011). Men's experiences of rheumatoid arthritis: An inductive thematic analysis. Musculoskeletal Care, 9(2), 102-112. https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.203

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jun 1, 2011
Journal Musculoskeletal Care
Print ISSN 1478-2189
Electronic ISSN 1557-0681
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 9
Issue 2
Pages 102-112
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.203
Keywords coping, gender, rheumatoid arthritis
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/969745
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/msc.203