Men and women face differing challenges when coping with rheumatoid arthritis

Published March 13, 2017

Men face specific problems when dealing mentally with rheumatoid arthritis that women do not share, highlights a small study by Arthritis Research UK scientists. Tailored channels of support may be needed to help them cope.

A total of 22 men with rheumatoid arthritis were interviewed about their experiences and the impact their condition has on their lives. There were three key findings:

Rheumatoid arthritis poses a challenge to men’s perceptions of their masculinity. Loss of independence and reduced strength can undermine men’s desired social roles and make them feel powerless and out of control.
Although some men looked for information on how to manage their condition better, others adopted a “just get on with it” attitude that included social withdrawal, excessive drinking or physical overexertion.
Many men lack support outside their immediate family and most reported their friends did not understand their situation.

“Further research is needed to investigate whether these findings exist in a larger sample and whether the support preferences of men with rheumatoid arthritis are broadly different from those of women with rheumatoid arthritis to decide whether there is a clinical need to design a service for the potentially different needs of men,” the researchers conclude.

A spokesperson from Arthritis Research UK comments:

“Currently, men with arthritis are outnumbered by women three to one: this means that men can sometimes be a forgotten group. This research highlights the need to tailor support for men so that they can access the information and support they need to live well with rheumatoid arthritis.”

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