Abstract
BackgroundGout is more common in men, and is often perceived by both patients and health practitioners to be a disorder of men, but its prevalence in women is increasing. Little is known about women’s experience of gout and the impact it has on their lives. It is important for practitioners to be aware of these areas, given the increasing numbers of women with gout they are likely to see in the future. This study aimed to explore women’s experiences of gout.MethodsA qualitative research design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 43 people, of whom 14 were women. Interviews were video and/or tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data from the interviews was first grouped into broad categories, followed by a more detailed thematic analysis and interpretation.ResultsParticipants’ ages ranged from 32 to 82. Nine participants were retired and five were in fulltime work. Four themes emerged: (1) experience of onset, help seeking and diagnosis (2) understanding and finding information about gout, (3) impact on identity, and (4) impact on roles and relationships.ConclusionsThe diagnostic process for women with gout can be uncertain due to lack of awareness of gout in women (by health care professionals and women themselves). Women do not have a good understanding of the condition and find it difficult to find information that feels relevant to them. Gout has a major impact on women’s identity and on their roles and relationships. These findings are of importance to health care professionals dealing with women with potential gout and those with an existing diagnosis.
Highlights
Gout is more common in men, and is often perceived by both patients and health practitioners to be a disorder of men, but its prevalence in women is increasing
Newspaper articles give an indication of the source of some of these myths and misperceptions: “Gout is agony, it's on the increase - and you don't have to binge like Henry VIII to get it” [8]; “It is usually regarded as a disease that strikes middle-aged men with a love of rich food and fine wine
Qualitative findings Four themes emerged from the data in relation to experience and impact of gout as a woman: onset and diagnosis; understanding gout; identity; and roles and relationships
Summary
Gout is more common in men, and is often perceived by both patients and health practitioners to be a disorder of men, but its prevalence in women is increasing. One study which explored people’s experiences of gout found that women in particular were unwilling to accept a gout diagnosis because of the associations with, and misperceptions of, the Richardson et al BMC Women's Health (2015) 15:122 condition They saw it is a ‘man’s disease’ and chose to view it as an “alternative rheumatic disease.” [6] This finding is important, not least because “the myths and misconceptions” people have about gout can influence how it is viewed and treated [7]. A new study highlights how a growing number of older woman are suffering the excruciating pain of gout” [9] The stories following these dramatic openings invariably include more references to Tudor monarchs, port and overweight men, even when the message of the story is that gout is not about these factors. Despite clinical evidence suggesting that gout is not (solely) a disease of rich, old men, it seems that media depiction draws on these aspects, and potentially contributes to current popular understanding
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