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Coping Strategies, Psychological Impact, and Support Preferences of Men With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Multicenter Survey
Author(s) -
Flurey Caroline A.,
Hewlett Sarah,
Rodham Karen,
White Alan,
Noddings Robert,
Kirwan John R.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
arthritis care and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.032
H-Index - 163
eISSN - 2151-4658
pISSN - 2151-464X
DOI - 10.1002/acr.23422
Subject(s) - psychosocial , rheumatoid arthritis , coping (psychology) , medicine , social support , clinical psychology , disease , family medicine , gerontology , psychology , physical therapy , psychiatry , social psychology
Objective To investigate the existence and distribution of 2 typologies (termed “factors”) of men with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) identified through our previous Q‐methodology study (n = 30) in a larger sample of men with RA , and whether differences in psychosocial impact or support preferences exist between the 2 factors, and between men and women with RA . Methods A postal survey was sent to 620 men with RA from 6 rheumatology units across England, and the support preferences section of the survey was given to 232 women with RA . Results A total of 295 male patients (47.6%) and 103 female patients (44.4%) responded; 15 male participants had missing data, and thus 280 were included in the analysis. Of these, 61 (22%) were assigned to factor A (“accept and adapt”), 120 (35%) were assigned to factor B (“struggling to match up”), and 99 (35%) were unassigned. The two factors differed significantly, with factor B reporting more severe disease, less effective coping strategies, and poorer psychological status. For support, men favored a question and answer session with a consultant (54%) or specialist nurse (50%), a website for information (69%), a talk by researchers (54%), or a symptom management session (54%). Overall, women reported more interest in support sessions than men, with ≥50% of women reporting interest in nearly every option provided. Conclusion Some men accept and adapt to their RA , but others (43%) report severe disease, less effective coping, and poor psychological status. Men's preferences for support are practical, with a focus on expanding their knowledge.