Illness representations of AAA patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The illness and treatment representations of patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
IRAS ID
149296
Contact name
Maggie Cunningham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Stirling
Research summary
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a common condition, predominately affecting the older, male population. NHS Scotland has recently implemented a routine screening programme to identify people with AAA. An AAA is diagnosed if the aorta diameter is 3cm or more, yet elective surgery to repair the damage only occurs when this diameter reaches 5.4cm or greater. Therefore there is a subset of patients who have no active treatment options, yet could benefit from interventions in healthy behaviours to try and prevent AAA growth and rupture.
Health models have identified that patients’ beliefs about their illness directly influence their behaviour in response to it. In accordance with these models it is important to determine what these beliefs are in the current AAA patient group. This would help to understand patients’ motivations regarding healthy behaviours which could positively impact their AAA, preventing growth and rupture.
This qualitative study will interview up to 20 AAA patients who have an aorta diameter of 5.4cm or below and therefore do not qualify for surgery. In a single one hour interview patients will be asked questions regarding their beliefs and behaviour towards diagnosis, how they cope with the condition and whether or not they have had to change any aspect of their lives. The data will then be analysed to determine if there are any common beliefs and behaviours in this particular patient group.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NE/0057
Date of REC Opinion
18 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion