title: Men and chronic illness: a qualitative study of LUTS.
abstract: In order to determine how men react to and manage chronic conditions 16 men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) were interviewed to examine the relationship between detecting symptoms and seeking medical help, perceptions of symptoms and the impact of symptoms on daily life. Transcripts were analysed employing IPA and four major themes identified: Uncertainty/Trying to understand, Implications, Ways of coping and Self-concept/Identity. Uncertainty about the nature and origins of their condition and its gradual onset contributed to the delay in seeking medical advice. Men adopted a range of coping strategies to manage their symptoms. Implications for primary health care consultations are considered.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of East London, UK. k.n.gannon@uel.ac.uk
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gannon
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Glover
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Neill
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Emberton
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000523:psychology*