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

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.

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.

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.

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.