At the Heart of Men: Myocardial infarction, Masculinity, and Lifestyle

Research problem and specific questionsThis project aims to analyse how plural and intersectional masculinities (age, class, ethnicity) covary with myocardial infarction (MI), and how the predicaments that this condition brings impact the lives and lifestyles of those affected.

Specific research questions (RQs) are: RQ1: In what ways do health care professionals (HCPs) discuss the treatment of MI, and treatment side effects, with patients?RQ2: How do HCPs understand and address MI, in relation to their own and their patients´ understandings of masculinity, the body, lifestyle, and sexual health?RQ3: How do men treated for MI describe and tackle their experiences of the disease and its impact on everyday life?RQ4: In what ways do MI and its treatment affect the quality of life for men, in relation to masculinity, age, ethnicity, social class, well-being, social relations, sexuality and intimacy?RQ5: In a group of patients who have experienced an MI, how do the patients talk about the disease and how it (if at all) interferes with their understanding of self and masculinity?RQ6: How might gained insights into men’s experience of MI (from the perspectives of both HCP and patients) be implemented so as to improve care and rehabilitation?

Data and methodThe project will utilize a qualitative approach to the research, consisting of four work packages (WPs) conducted over 3-years. We will conduct both individual interviews and focus group interviews. Plan for project realizationIn WP1 interviews with HCPs will be conducted.

WP2, the main part of the project, consists of repeated interviews with MI treated men of various ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. WP3 consists of focus group interviews with men who have been treated for MI.

Finally, in WP4 we will synthesize all data gathered and conduct a cross-analysis, thus fulfilling the overarching aim of the project.

Societal relevance and utilisationResearch on patients’ experience of an MI is mainly found in medical and caring sciences literature.

Combining social medicine with phenomenological and sociological studies, however, can generate important insights into how MI impacts patients’ general health and quality of life.

From an intersectional perspective, the project contributes insights into how men tackle heart conditions, and to engage with theoretically sophisticated studies on ageing men, masculinity, and illness.