title: Men, rheumatoid arthritis, psychosocial impact and self-management: A narrative review.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease affecting fewer men than women. We systematically reviewed the literature on impact and self-management of rheumatoid arthritis in men. A total of 28 papers were included and grouped into two categories: psychosocial impact of rheumatoid arthritis, and coping and self-management. This review finds gender differences relating to quality of life, work, distress, self-management, coping and support. We conclude that there is a dearth of literature focussing on rheumatoid arthritis in men only, and mixed gender studies include insufficient men to draw strong conclusions about men. Thus, further research is needed to understand the support needs of men with rheumatoid arthritis in depth.
authors.affiliation: University of the West of England, UK Bristol Royal Infirmary, UK Caroline2.Flurey@uwe.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Caroline A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Flurey
authors.affiliation: University of the West of England, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hewlett
authors.affiliation: Staffordshire University, UK.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rodham
authors.affiliation: Leeds Beckett University, UK.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Bristol Royal Infirmary, UK.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Noddings
authors.affiliation: University of Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kirwan
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D054526:Men's Health; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D000073278:Self-Management
keywords: arthritis; chronic illness; coping; gender; health behaviour; health psychology; males; men’s health; psychological distress; social support