Men with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: A qualitative study of gender and age.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine men's adjustment to living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) as influenced by gender and age.

Background: Living with an ICD requires psychological and social adjustments throughout the lifespan. Approximately 60-70% of the ICD population are men, yet little is known about men's gender-specific issues related to living with ICDs.

Method: Ethnographic methods were used with 12 men, 26-85 years of age. Data were analyzed using constructs of gender, chronic illness, and Life Course theory.

Results: Themes were identified: Maintaining a masculine image, Sudden cardiac death and social implications through time, and Self-image influenced by chronic illness.

Discussion: Gender and location in the life-course may influence adjustment to living with an ICD. Understanding where an individual is within place and time, as well as where they are at the present may account for many aspects of their acceptance, adjustment, and recovery.