P170 I think the mental aspect is just awful: experiences of young men living with inflammatory arthritis

Abstract

Abstract Background/Aims Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is consistently reported to be reduced in people with inflammatory arthritis (IA), but little is known about the specific experiences of young men living with these conditions. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap and identify key aspects of the patient perspective. Methods Online semi-structured interviews with male IA patients age 16-30. Participants were recruited via online platforms and participating NHS Trusts. Data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis. Results 17 male patients (RA, JIA, PsA, AS); mean age 23 years (SD: 3.87); disease duration 7 years (SD 6.41); medication (100% on DMARDs/ biologic). Five themes are proposed: “it had a massive mental impact on me”: Psychosocial burden. Participants explicitly described the burden of IA on mental health and wellbeing (“From the diagnosis afterwards is when my mental health was really impacted”). Participants highlighted difficulties in discussing these challenges with healthcare professionals, despite a desire to do so. “I’m still quite candid about who I disclose it to”: Selective disclosure. Participants reported using caution in discussing their condition, which may be a protective mechanism for young men giving them a sense of control (“I think just as a bit of a control thing [...] I didn't want people to know everything”).“I view my arthritis as emasculating”: Disrupted and disruptive masculinity. For some, IA interfered with how they wanted to be as a man (“That kind of sums it up, just not being able to fulfil that role of sort of being the man”). Societal expectations seemed to shape their view on how they as young men should manage (“I think you're expected to manage your own feelings and your own everything and go through it [⋯] like, just man up and take it”). “You have to keep going, you have to keep the ball rolling”: Remarkable resilience. Participants expressed resilience in response to setbacks and ongoing challenges. (“I can't just sit back and cry, I need to get on with it and move on”). “It is a roller coaster, you know, you're okay one minute then you're not”: Sense of uncertainty. Participants explained IA brought uncertainty and instability into their lives, adding a layer of difficulty to planning next steps as a young adult (“It makes planning very difficult. I feel like I'm always waiting for something to happen”). Conclusion IA can influence young men’s sense of self and may interfere with their ability to navigate emerging adulthood. Some young men report IA having considerable impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Next steps will explore clinician’s perspectives on caring for this patient group to help understand how young men might be better supported Disclosure R.J. McNeil-Walsh: None. C.A. Flurey: None. F. Cramp: None. J. Robson: None. C. Eccleston: None. P.M. Galdas: None. L. Cushnie: None.