Experiences of men living with Dupuytren's disease-Consequences of the disease for hand function and daily activities

Abstract

Study design: Qualitative descriptive.

Introduction: Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a chronic hand condition causing impairment in hand function. Research describing persons' experiences of living with DD is limited. Understanding the subjective experience of illness is valuable for planning and implementing health-care services.

Purpose of the study: To explore experiences among men living with an impaired hand function due to DD and the consequences of the disease for daily activities.

Methods: Interviews were conducted with 21 men before surgery. The model of the patient evaluation process guided data collection. Data were analyzed using problem-driven content analysis.

Results: Participants described DD as a chronic disease caused by heredity, previous injury, hard work, or aging. DD was, according to the participants, an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition, causing a feeling of constant stiffness in the affected hand. DD could cause participants to have fear of hurting the hand, feelings of shame or embarrassment, and a sense of being old. Participants handled the deteriorating hand function by avoiding or refraining from activities, adapting their performance, or performing activities with less quality. The ideal hand function was seen as being able to use the hands without effort.

Discussion: The diverse experiences of DD and if the hand is experienced as something that causes distress can be understood further using body-self dialectic and Gadow's states of embodiment, as well as the process of adapting and learning to live with the functional limitations.

Conclusions: A clinical implication for hand therapy is to acknowledge patients' individual experiences and support self-modifications and development of new skills.

Keywords: Activities of daily living; Body image; Dupuytren contracture; Hand function; Interviews.