Lived Experiences of African American Males with Fibromyalgia

Lived Experiences of African American Males with Fibromyalgia by Ethel Denise Callier-Perry MA, Texas Southern University, 1985 BA, Texas Southern University, 1982 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University November 2017 Abstract Fibromyalgia (FM) is a musculoskeletal and neurological disorder that causes constant pain, cognitive problems with short term memory, and sleep disorders. There are more females diagnosed with FM than males, and research has therefore primarily been conducted with females. Because little is known about African American males with FM, biopsychosocial theory was used in this phenomenological study to examine how African American males with FM are affected biologically, psychologically, and socially. Eight African American males diagnosed with FM were recruited from Houston, Texas and were interviewed about their lived experiences with FM, including experiences with the healthcare system, and how they used the internet to seek information about FM. Individual interview transcripts, conduct open coding, and thematic analysis led to identification of the following themes: (a) lengthy multiple medical evaluations to receive a diagnosis and various symptoms; (b) physical challenges, physical limitations, emotional issues, and cognitive issues experienced with FM; (c) limited physical and emotional support from family and friends; (d) hopeful about work and plans; (e) trust and confidence in healthcare providers and medical information obtained by asking questions; (f) limited internet search and not involved in online FM forums. The study showed that African American males with FM may experience debilitating symptoms and may use faith-based beliefs as one way to cope with FM. These results may bring positive social changes by providing caretakers with a better understanding of how FM affects the quality of life of African American males with FM, and provide new data to assist healthcare providers in diagnosing, treating, and serving this population.Fibromyalgia (FM) is a musculoskeletal and neurological disorder that causes constant pain, cognitive problems with short term memory, and sleep disorders. There are more females diagnosed with FM than males, and research has therefore primarily been conducted with females. Because little is known about African American males with FM, biopsychosocial theory was used in this phenomenological study to examine how African American males with FM are affected biologically, psychologically, and socially. Eight African American males diagnosed with FM were recruited from Houston, Texas and were interviewed about their lived experiences with FM, including experiences with the healthcare system, and how they used the internet to seek information about FM. Individual interview transcripts, conduct open coding, and thematic analysis led to identification of the following themes: (a) lengthy multiple medical evaluations to receive a diagnosis and various symptoms; (b) physical challenges, physical limitations, emotional issues, and cognitive issues experienced with FM; (c) limited physical and emotional support from family and friends; (d) hopeful about work and plans; (e) trust and confidence in healthcare providers and medical information obtained by asking questions; (f) limited internet search and not involved in online FM forums. The study showed that African American males with FM may experience debilitating symptoms and may use faith-based beliefs as one way to cope with FM. These results may bring positive social changes by providing caretakers with a better understanding of how FM affects the quality of life of African American males with FM, and provide new data to assist healthcare providers in diagnosing, treating, and serving this population. Lived Experiences of African American Males with Fibromyalgia by Ethel Denise Callier-Perry MA, Texas Southern University, 1985 BA, Texas Southern University, 1982 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University January 2018 Dedication I dedicate my dissertation work to my loving parents, Professors JD and Vernice Callier whose words of encouragement and push for tenacity are deeply embedded in my heart. Acknowledgments First, and most of all, I would like to thank Dr. Leann Stadtlander, for her expertise, assistance, knowledge, and guidance throughout this dissertation process. Your support, countless telephone calls, and emails helped to make the dissertation process manageable. I hope to be the mentor and support for others as you have been for me. To my siblings, John Callier, Joseph Callier, and Helen Callier, you have supported and encouraged me throughout my life, and for that, I am forever grateful. I am thankful for my cousin Roy Callier and his wife Joy Callier, who kept me motivated with biblical scriptures during my 7-year dissertation journey. To my husband and best friend Craig, you were the most instrumental in my success. Your unwavering love and prayer to take care of me during my darkest days and years when I was ill were above and beyond, and words could never express the gratitude and great respect that I have for your sacrificial love. To my children Joseph and Elizabeth, you are both angels from God and the reasons for all of my hard, sacrificial work. Joseph your songs, motivation, smiles, and laughter, kept me upbeat and encouraged. Elizabeth your sweet spirit, smile, and playing of the flute gave me unspeakable joy to endure. There are so many friends and colleagues who have supported me through my doctoral education. While I cannot name each of you, I am eternally grateful for your love, faith, and support over the years. Each of you will always have a special place in my heart. You know who you are.