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Lookup NU author(s): Lorna Ingoe, Professor Simon PearceORCiD, Professor Tim Rapley, Dr Salman Razvi, Dr Scott Wilkes, Dr Susan Moloney
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Background: Primary hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder, more so in an increasing UK ageing population. There is no qualitative research examining the older patient perspective of symptoms, treatment and self-management of hypothyroidism. Objective: In this study we explored the experience of hypothyroidism in older people and examined how this may influence their understanding and acceptance of diagnosis, treatment with Levothyroxine and the monitoring process. Design: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 participants aged between 80 and 93 years. Interview transcripts were analysed using a thematic approach. Results: The themes involved older individuals' knowledge about symptoms, confidence in diagnosis and understanding of clinical management regimen to understand hypothyroidism. Interpretation of the themes was informed by the Health Belief Model. Conclusion: Our findings can help to inform the development of interventions by treating clinicians and support staff to engage older patients in the long-term management of this chronic condition.
Author(s): Ingoe LE, Hickey J, Pearce S, Rapley T, Razvi S, Wilkes S, Hrisos S
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Health Expectations
Year: 2018
Volume: 21
Issue: 3
Pages: 628-635
Print publication date: 01/06/2018
Online publication date: 21/02/2018
Acceptance date: 01/11/2017
Date deposited: 07/03/2018
ISSN (print): 1369-6513
ISSN (electronic): 1369-7625
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.12656
DOI: 10.1111/hex.12656
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