"I don't mind being ugly but I don't wanna have skin cancer": A qualitative study of attitudes to UV exposure and a facial morphing intervention in men 35 years and older

Current Utilization of Qualitative Methodologies in Dermatology: A Scoping Review

The focus of this review was to determine how qualitative methods are used in dermatology research and whether published manuscripts meet current standards for qualitative research. A scoping review of manuscripts published in English between January 1, 2016 and September 22, 2021 was conducted. A coding document was developed to collect information on authors, methodology, participants, research theme, and the presence of quality criteria as outlined by the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Manuscripts were included if they described original qualitative research about dermatologic conditions or topics of primary interest to dermatology. An adjacency search yielded 372 manuscripts, and after screening, 134 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies utilized interviews or focus groups, and researchers predominantly selected participants on the basis of disease status, including over 30 common and rare dermatologic conditions. Research themes frequently included patient experience of disease, development of patient-reported outcomes, and descriptions of provider and caregiver experiences. Although most authors explained their analysis and sampling strategy and included empirical data, few referenced qualitative data reporting standards. Missed opportunities for qualitative methods in dermatology include examination of health disparities, exploration of surgical and cosmetic dermatology experiences, and determination of the lived experience of and provider attitudes toward diverse patient populations.

A qualitative systematic review and meta-aggregation of the experiences of men diagnosed with chronic lymphoedema

Background

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that is estimated to affect up to four people per 1000 of the UK population with this increasing with age. Men account for up to 20% of lymphoedema service caseloads with research focussing upon women affected.

Aims

To retrieve primary qualitative research on the experiences of men with chronic lymphoedema.

Methods

A qualitative review was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) meta-aggregation method. A search strategy was applied to 12 databases, from inception to February 2021, with 22 studies identified and appraised. The findings were extracted and synthesised via the JBI approach.

Results

Four synthesised findings were identified: (1) The ‘New Norm’, how diagnosis led to men being faced with a ‘new version’ of themselves; (2) ‘Journey into the Unknown’ relates to the unforeseen diagnosis of the condition; (3) ‘Access’ – challenge in receiving a diagnosis, and support; and (4) ‘Personhood’ – the impact of the condition upon external constructs and relationships.

Conclusions

Men are faced with similar challenges as women coupled with societal expectations with respect to gender identity and expression. This leads to those wishing to engage with men to adopt ‘gender-based tailoring’ within healthcare services, information and support.