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A phenomenological study on the lived experience of men with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Whilst chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been widely researched amongst women, studies investigating how men experience a CFS diagnosis is limited. This study utilised an interpretative phenomenological approach to interview five men who have a medical diagnosis of CFS. Six themes emerged to demonstrate the participants' experiences prior to, during and after obtaining their CFS diagnosis. Findings revealed that participants were initially reluctant to accept their condition, confounded by their perception that symptoms compromised their sense of masculinity. They also felt that healthcare professionals had limited recognition of CFS leading them to seek social support and legitimisation from other sources. The struggle to come to terms with a different lifestyle and sense of masculinity prevailed. Such knowledge could be effectively utilised by researchers, practitioners and employers to facilitate an increased understanding of male accounts of the condition and more bespoke interventions where required.

SUBMITTER: Snell GE

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10913334 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A phenomenological study on the lived experience of men with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Snell Gracie Elizabeth GE Seage Catherine Heidi CH Mercer Jenny J

Journal of health psychology 20230717 3

Whilst chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been widely researched amongst women, studies investigating how men experience a CFS diagnosis is limited. This study utilised an interpretative phenomenological approach to interview five men who have a medical diagnosis of CFS. Six themes emerged to demonstrate the participants' experiences prior to, during and after obtaining their CFS diagnosis. Findings revealed that participants were initially reluctant to accept their condition, confounded by thei ...[more]

PMID: 37455618

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Project description:BackgroundChronic kidney disease is common, affecting up to 13 % of the global population, and is predicted to become the fifth leading cause of 'life years lost' by 2040. Individuals with end-stage kidney disease commonly develop complications such as protein-energy wasting and cachexia which further worsens their prognosis. The syndrome of 'renal cachexia' is poorly understood, under-diagnosed and even if recognised has limited treatment options.ObjectiveTo explore the lived experience of renal cachexia for individuals with end-stage kidney disease and the interrelated experiences of their carers.DesignThis interpretive phenomenological study was designed to facilitate an in-depth exploration of how patients and carers experience of renal cachexia. To improve and document the quality, transparency, and consistency of patient and public involvement in this study the Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public-Short Format was followed.SettingThe study was conducted across two nephrology directorates, within two healthcare trusts in the United Kingdom.ParticipantsSeven participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study, four patients (three female, one male) and three carers (two male, one female).MethodsWe employed a purposive sampling strategy. Data collection was conducted between July 2022 and December 2023. Interviews were semi-structured, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed in six steps by two researchers using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Ethical approval was approved by the Office for Research Ethics Committees Northern Ireland (Reference: 22/NI/0107).ResultsAnalysis generated six group experiential themes: the lived experience of appetite loss, functional decline and temporal coping, weight loss a visual metaphor of concern, social withdrawal and vulnerability, the emotional toll of eating challenges and psychological strain amidst a lack of information about cachexia.ConclusionThis is the first qualitative study exploring the lived experience of renal cachexia for patients and carers. Our study highlights that psycho-social and educational support is urgently needed. Additionally, healthcare professionals need better information provision to help them to recognise and respond to the needs of this population. Further research is required to develop models of holistic support which could help patients and carers cope with the impact of renal cachexia and optimally manage this syndrome within the family unit.RegistrationN/A.

Dataset Information

A phenomenological study on the lived experience of men with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Publications

A phenomenological study on the lived experience of men with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Similar Datasets

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