OP0303-HPR IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE SEX: VIEWPOINTS OF DUTCH ADULT MEN WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS REGARDING THE IMPACT OF THE DISEASE ON THEIR SEXUAL HEALTH
L. F. Perez-Garcia, E. Röder, H. Pastoor, H. Bolt, J. Van Exel, R. Dolhain
2021
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Background:Sexual health (SH) can be impaired in men with inflammatory arthritis (IA) (1). In addition to biological factors, such as inflammation, subjective factors such as personal beliefs can also impair SH. The Q methodology combines aspects of qualitative and quantitative approaches to systematically study subjectivity, and has been applied successfully in other medical fields.Objectives:To describe the viewpoints of adult men with IA on the impact of IA on their SH using the Q
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... .Methods:Men, 18 years and older, diagnosed with RA or JIA were invited by their rheumatologist. Participants ranked 34 opinion statements about potential impacts of IA on their SH on an agreement scale. A by-person factor analysis identified common patterns in the rankings. These patterns represent the different viewpoints among the men. Data from interviews, in which the men explained their ranking, was used to further interpret the viewpoints. A Q-methodology study usually consists of 30-40 participants.Results:30 men with IA were included. Their mean age was 43.2 (range 22–77) years. The analysis revealed three viewpoints:1."I am satisfied with my sex life"Men with viewpoint 1 experience no significant impact of IA on their SH. However, most men indicated that when their disease was active, IA had a negative impact on their SH.2."Arthritis has a negative influence on my sex life"Men with viewpoint 2 experience a dramatic impact, due to pain, fatigue and gloom. Their relationship worsened and they feel guilty towards their partner. Discussing their problems is not difficult.3."I am keeping up appearances"Men with viewpoint 3 experience SH impairment mainly as a result of pain. IA impairs them physically, makes them feel less of a man, less attractive and reduces their self-confidence. Due to problems with accepting their disease and communicating their problems, these men tend to hide their problems.Conclusion:We identified 3 viewpoints on the impact of IA on male SH, 2 of them revealing a negative influence that goes beyond the physical act of sex. IA can also affect relationships, self-confidence and manhood. Future research will focus on identifying men with SH problems in the clinic and the best counseling approach.References:[1]Perez-Garcia LF, Te Winkel B, Carrizales JP, Bramer W, Vorstenbosch S, van Puijenbroek E, et al. Sexual function and reproduction can be impaired in men with rheumatic diseases: A systematic review. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2020;50(3):557-73.Disclosure of Interests:Luis Fernando Perez-Garcia Consultant of: Galapagos, Esther Röder: None declared, Hester Pastoor: None declared, Hanneke Bolt: None declared, Job van Exel: None declared, Radboud Dolhain Speakers bureau: Abbvie, UCB, Genzyme, Consultant of: Galapagos, Grant/research support from: UCB.
doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.640
fatcat:pwifo3xfdjhtfcah7xklgnleby