Heteronormative biases and distinctive experiences with prostate cancer among men who have sex with men: a qualitative focus group study
Abstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) face many challenges and biases in healthcare. Within urology there is a need to better understand how prostate cancer impacts MSM given the unique ways in which side effects that accompany treatment may affect this population. The goal of this stu...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Urology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-023-01398-0 |
| _version_ | 1827388133010833408 |
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| author | Evan Panken Noah Frydenlund Neil Mistry Rahul Prabhu Jeffrey Wong Shilajit Kundu David Victorson Channa Amarasekera |
| author_facet | Evan Panken Noah Frydenlund Neil Mistry Rahul Prabhu Jeffrey Wong Shilajit Kundu David Victorson Channa Amarasekera |
| author_sort | Evan Panken |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) face many challenges and biases in healthcare. Within urology there is a need to better understand how prostate cancer impacts MSM given the unique ways in which side effects that accompany treatment may affect this population. The goal of this study is to explore the experience of MSM with prostate cancer to advance the existing literature in this area and inform implementation and delivery of clinical practice and policy guidelines. Methods Four focus groups were conducted with a semi-structured interview guide. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach consistent with grounded theory [1] and naturalistic inquiry principles we sought to better understand the direct experiences of MSM with prostate cancer. Audio transcriptions were thematically analyzed to identify themes that impact MSM throughout their prostate cancer journey. An iterative, team-wide classification process was used to identify, organize, and group common codes into higher-order categories and themes. Results Patient’s choice of provider and their interactions with the healthcare system were strongly impacted by their sexual identities. Participants commented on navigating the heteronormative healthcare environment and the impact of assumptions they encountered. MSM experienced the sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatment in unique ways. Issues with erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction had significant impacts on patient’s sexual experience, with some describing being forced to explore new modes of sexual expression. Anejaculation was a theme that was distressing for many participants. The emotional impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis was significant in the men interviewed. Common themes included loss of identity and fear for future relationships. Conclusions MSM have unique concerns after prostate cancer treatment that differ from men who don’t identify as MSM. It is critical that providers familiarize themselves with the concerns of this patient population regarding prostate cancer treatment. An important step toward reducing heteronormative bias in prostate cancer care is to better understand the goals, identity, and sexual practices of MSM and to provide informed anticipatory guidance. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T16:13:16Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-5848f96b11f143e5bf343f4a89cb61a0 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2490 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T16:13:16Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Urology |
| spelling | doaj.art-5848f96b11f143e5bf343f4a89cb61a02024-01-07T12:48:50ZengBMCBMC Urology1471-24902024-01-0124111010.1186/s12894-023-01398-0Heteronormative biases and distinctive experiences with prostate cancer among men who have sex with men: a qualitative focus group studyEvan Panken0Noah Frydenlund1Neil Mistry2Rahul Prabhu3Jeffrey Wong4Shilajit Kundu5David Victorson6Channa Amarasekera7Department of Urology, Northwestern UniversityDepartment of Urology, Northwestern UniversityDepartment of Urology, Northwestern UniversityDepartment of Urology, Northwestern UniversityUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineDepartment of Urology, Northwestern UniversityDepartment of Urology, Northwestern UniversityDepartment of Urology, Northwestern UniversityAbstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) face many challenges and biases in healthcare. Within urology there is a need to better understand how prostate cancer impacts MSM given the unique ways in which side effects that accompany treatment may affect this population. The goal of this study is to explore the experience of MSM with prostate cancer to advance the existing literature in this area and inform implementation and delivery of clinical practice and policy guidelines. Methods Four focus groups were conducted with a semi-structured interview guide. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach consistent with grounded theory [1] and naturalistic inquiry principles we sought to better understand the direct experiences of MSM with prostate cancer. Audio transcriptions were thematically analyzed to identify themes that impact MSM throughout their prostate cancer journey. An iterative, team-wide classification process was used to identify, organize, and group common codes into higher-order categories and themes. Results Patient’s choice of provider and their interactions with the healthcare system were strongly impacted by their sexual identities. Participants commented on navigating the heteronormative healthcare environment and the impact of assumptions they encountered. MSM experienced the sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatment in unique ways. Issues with erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction had significant impacts on patient’s sexual experience, with some describing being forced to explore new modes of sexual expression. Anejaculation was a theme that was distressing for many participants. The emotional impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis was significant in the men interviewed. Common themes included loss of identity and fear for future relationships. Conclusions MSM have unique concerns after prostate cancer treatment that differ from men who don’t identify as MSM. It is critical that providers familiarize themselves with the concerns of this patient population regarding prostate cancer treatment. An important step toward reducing heteronormative bias in prostate cancer care is to better understand the goals, identity, and sexual practices of MSM and to provide informed anticipatory guidance.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-023-01398-0Men who have sex with menQualitativeFocus groupsProstate cancerSexual dysfunctionEjaculatory dysfunction |
| spellingShingle | Evan Panken Noah Frydenlund Neil Mistry Rahul Prabhu Jeffrey Wong Shilajit Kundu David Victorson Channa Amarasekera Heteronormative biases and distinctive experiences with prostate cancer among men who have sex with men: a qualitative focus group study BMC Urology Men who have sex with men Qualitative Focus groups Prostate cancer Sexual dysfunction Ejaculatory dysfunction |
| title | Heteronormative biases and distinctive experiences with prostate cancer among men who have sex with men: a qualitative focus group study |
| title_full | Heteronormative biases and distinctive experiences with prostate cancer among men who have sex with men: a qualitative focus group study |
| title_fullStr | Heteronormative biases and distinctive experiences with prostate cancer among men who have sex with men: a qualitative focus group study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Heteronormative biases and distinctive experiences with prostate cancer among men who have sex with men: a qualitative focus group study |
| title_short | Heteronormative biases and distinctive experiences with prostate cancer among men who have sex with men: a qualitative focus group study |
| title_sort | heteronormative biases and distinctive experiences with prostate cancer among men who have sex with men a qualitative focus group study |
| topic | Men who have sex with men Qualitative Focus groups Prostate cancer Sexual dysfunction Ejaculatory dysfunction |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-023-01398-0 |
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