What help do men under abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance want to manage anxiety? A qualitative interview study

Objective

This study aimed to explore the views of men under surveillance for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) about how to help them manage AAA related anxiety.

Methods

This was a qualitative interview study with 22 men, and two family members, under the National Health Service (NHS) AAA surveillance programme in England with self reported AAA related anxiety.

Results

Some men in the interviews described ongoing AAA related anxiety, but most reported stoicism, accepting that they had AAA and finding surveillance reassuring. Some men described themselves as “thinking about” the AAA rather than being worried or anxious. They described diagnosis as a time of significant anxiety, and ongoing uncertainty about multiple aspects of having AAA. They wanted information about these areas of uncertainty, particularly seeking personalised information about what they should do or not do to prevent rupture. They wanted information provided by a health professional as well as written information, so it could be tailored to their situation. One area of uncertainty was future treatment, and men welcomed the opportunity to interact with those who had experienced AAA repair. Their preferences for intervention were information based rather than talking therapy based.

Conclusion

Men under AAA surveillance expressed the need for more information to address their uncertainties, rather than therapeutic anxiety management options, such as cognitive behavioural therapy.