Men self-manage arthritis better if masculine identity is not threatened

Self-management support is better received by men with long-term health issues such as arthritis if it does not threaten aspects of masculine identity, says research in BMC Public Health.
A review of the current research evidence was carried out to see if certain types of support are more appealing and accessible to men with long-term health conditions such as arthritis. It was found that action-orientated self-management support is preferable to services that are viewed as out-of-keeping with valued aspects of male identity. When certain activities are seen to challenge masculine ideals associated with independence, stoicism and control, self-management is less likely to be attractive and appealing to men and they may be less likely than women to take part.
“Men, as a group, are frequently underrepresented with many of these support services and are believed to be poorer self-managers than women, despite having an increased incidence of many of the most serious and disabling long term conditions,” says Dr Paul Galdas, who led the work.
“A growing body of research shows that risky or unhealthy behaviours, such as reluctance to access health services, are closely related to ‘traditional’ masculine attitudes that emphasise self-sufficiency, stoicism and robustness. This study shows that men may find self-management support more attractive when it is perceived as action-oriented, having a clear purpose, and offering personal meaningful information and practical strategies that can be integrated into their daily life.”

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