Browsing by Author "Hanna, Esmee"
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Item Open Access Constructing better health and wellbeing? Understanding structural constraints on promoting health and wellbeing in the UK Construction Industry(Emerald, 2019-04-26) Hanna, Esmee; Markham, StevenThe construction industry has high rates of work related ill health and early retirement due to stress, injury and illness. Whilst there have been more recent calls for a ‘health like safety’ narrative within the industry, health has still predominantly been viewed via health risks rather than a more holistic conceptualisation of health and wellbeing. The workplace is viewed as a fruitful site for health promotion work, yet we know little about the possibilities and promise of health promotion and health improvement work within the construction industry. This paper explores the views of stakeholders with health-related roles and responsibilities within the construction industry to examine their views of the landscape of the construction industry and its relationship to the health and wellbeing of the workforce. Through exploring two key themes; the construction industry as anti-health promoting and understanding industry specific health issues, greater insight into the challenges that exist within construction for promoting positive employee health and wellbeing are explored. The unique insights of those ‘inside’ the industry provides a clear exposition of the challenges faced by those seeking to construct better health and wellbeing and we argue that only through understanding the structural constraints of the industry in this way can the possibilities and potentials for undertaking health promotion work be fully embedded within the industry in order to help create meaningful change for both employees and the industry as a whole.Item Open Access Disposalscapes: ‘Estranged’ limbs after amputation(Sage, 2020-11-17) Hanna, EsmeeThe disposal of limbs remains absent from our understandings of amputation, with ‘estranged limbs’ occupying a liminal position. Despite acceptance that the appropriate disposal of human tissue matters on moral, ethical and legal grounds, limbs and their disposal is estranged from these discourses, mirroring the experience of the limbs themselves. This paper then examines this absence around disposal, considering both the options which exist for the disposal of limbs after amputation, as well as why disposal itself remains side-lined from our broader understandings of the body. Practices for disposal that encompass both traditional clinical approaches, as well as more unusual patient choices will be discussed- through the discussion of these as potential ‘disposalscapes’. Utilising concepts from the work of Crawford (2012), Shildrick and Steinberg (2015) and Slatman and Widdershoven (2010), the potential importance of the disposal of limbs to patients and the role of disposalscapes within this considered.Item Metadata only Emoting infertility online: A qualitative analysis of men's forum posts(Health, 2016-05-30) Hanna, Esmee; Gough, BrendanRelatively little research on infertility focuses exclusively or significantly on men’s experiences, particularly in relation to emotional aspects. Evidence that does exist around male infertility suggests that it is a distressing experience for men, due to stigma, threats to masculinity and the perceived need to suppress emotions, and that men and women experience infertility differently. Using thematic analysis, this article examines the online emoting of men in relation to infertility via forum posts from a men-only infertility discussion board. It was noted that men ‘talked’ to each other about the emotional burdens of infertility, personal coping strategies and relationships with others. Three major themes were identified following in-depth analysis: ‘the emotional rollercoaster’, ‘the tyranny of infertility’ and ‘infertility paranoia’. This article then offers insights into how men experience infertility emotionally, negotiate the emotional challenges involved (especially pertaining to diagnosis, treatment outcomes and their intimate relationships) and how they share (and find value in doing so) with other men the lived experience of infertility.Item Open Access The emotional labour of researching sensitive topics online: Considerations and Implications(Sage, 2018-06-19) Hanna, EsmeeUtilising online data within qualitative research is becoming increasingly common, particularly as it offers a useful means for engaging with sensitive topics and accessing social actors in more ‘naturalistic’ settings. However, researching sensitive topics online can expose researchers to a range of emotional narratives, yet researcher emotion remains an area which is relatively underexplored in relation to online qualitative research. This paper then reflects on the emotional implications of qualitative research online through the case study of online infertility research. Three themes are highlighted: what happened next?; empathy from afar, and emotional detachment and these reflect on how emotion can be manifest and utilised, and the strategies that can be adopted to facilitate the negotiation of researching emotive and sensitive topics in online settings. Drawing on Campbell’s (2001) ideas, the paper then sets out what the notion of what ‘emotionally engaged online research’ may look like.Item Open Access The ethics of limb disposal: Dignity and the medical waste stockpiling scandal(BMJ Publishing, 2019-07-29) Hanna, Esmee; Robert, GlennWe draw on the concept of dignity to consider the ethics of the disposal of amputated limbs. The ethics of the management and disposal of human tissue has been subject to greater scrutiny and discussion in recent years, although the disposal of limbs often remains absent from such discourses. In light of the recent UK controversy regarding failures in medical waste disposal and the stockpiling of waste (including body parts), the appropriate handling of human tissue has been subject to further scrutiny. Whilst this scandal has evoked concern regarding procurement and supply chain issues, as well as possible health and safety risks from such a ‘stockpile’, the dignity of those patients’ implicated in this controversy has been less widely discussed. Drawing on Foster’s (2014) work, we argue that a dignity framework provides a useful lens to frame consideration of the disposal of limbs after amputation. Such a framework may be difficult to reconcile with the logic of business and the ‘biovalue’ of medical waste but would we argue afford more patient centred approaches towards disposal. It may also facilitate better practices to help mitigate future stockpiling incidences.Item Open Access Fit to father? Online accounts of lifestyle changes and help-seeking on a male infertility board.(Wiley, 2018-04-06) Hanna, Esmee; Gough, Brendan; Hudson, NickyThe reproductive realm is routinely viewed as a feminised space requiring women’s commitment and labour. By contrast, men’s procreative contributions and ‘reproductive masculinity’ is represented as unproblematic, with men assumed to be fertile across the lifespan. Recent scientific research has, however, cast doubt over these longstanding assumptions, suggesting that a link does exist between ‘lifestyle’ factors and male fertility. The notion that fertility can be improved with effort (for both women and men) can be located within wider cultural and political shifts which construct individuals as increasingly responsible for acting on health messages and engaging in self-disciplining body projects. Through an exploration of ‘lifestyle changes’ within a men’s online infertility discussion forum board, this paper examines how discourses of individualisation healthism and masculinity are reproduced and interlinked. Our thematic analysis indicates that ‘lifestyle work’ is construed as crucial for achieving conception - and as a means to demonstrate men’s commitment to the dyadic goal of parenthood, which in turn may challenge and extend previous notions of ‘reproductive masculinity’.Item Embargo (In) Fertile Male Bodies: Masculinities and lifestyle management in neoliberal times(Emerald, 2022-10-14) Gough, Brendan; Hanna, EsmeeItem Open Access The Lived Experience of Klinefelter Syndrome: A Narrative Review of the Literature(Frontiers Media SA, 2019) Cheetham, Tim; Fearon, Kriss; Herbrand, C.; Hudson, Nicky; McEleny, Kevin; Quinton, Richard; Stevenson, Eleanor; Wilkes, Scott; Hanna, EsmeeItem Open Access Male infertility as relational: An analysis of men's reported encounters with family members and friends in the context of delayed conception(Policy Press, 2020-05-18) Hanna, Esmee; Gough, BrendanRelational aspects of infertility are understandably often viewed through a dyadic lens, which has typically prioritised women’s experiences of infertility, simultaneously burdening women and marginalising men’s accounts from understandings of reproduction. Men’s infertility experiences in relation to the role and impact on other relationships have yet to be examined in detail. This paper considers data from a sample of 41 men who completed a qualitative questionnaire about their experiences of infertility. Our thematic analysis of relationship-relevant responses generated two key themes: disruption of temporal horizons; and friends and family members as ‘outsiders’. Our analysis develops insights into the emotional labour involved in managing relationships with friends and family members in the challenging context of infertility and highlights the problems associated with ‘support’ offered by significant others. The value of understanding infertility as a relational phenomenon that is shaped and constrained by close relationships and wider social norms is elaborated, with implications for healthcare practice also discussed.Item Open Access Masculinities in the construction industry: A double-edged sword for health and wellbeing?(Wiley, 2019-01-16) Hanna, Esmee; Gough, Brendan; Markham, StevenConstruction remains a male-dominated industry and men in construction suffer high rates of illness and injury compared to other industries. Consideration of men and masculinities may support any attempt to maintain and promote the health and wellbeing of construction workers. This paper discusses qualitative case study research conducted with stakeholders in the UK construction industry around health and wellbeing. Our thematic analysis highlights how masculinities operate to both inhibit and promote healthy practices. On the one hand, a culture of stoicism pertaining to illness or injury was evident, whilst a competitive ethos between occupational groups was observed to increase risk-taking and poor health choices. However, interviewees identified homosocial camaraderie and respect for lived experience as a means to promote positive health behaviour. Differences between younger and older generations of employees were noted. Overall, we argue that men’s work and associated health practices can be understood as ‘rational’ individualised responses to structural deregulation and insecurity within the construction industry. KeywordsItem Metadata only Men’s accounts of infertility within their intimate partner relationships: an analysis of online forum discussions.(Taylor and Francis, 2017-01-19) Hanna, Esmee; Gough, BrendanObjective: This article aims to provide insights into men’s accounts of infertility in the context of their intimate partnerships. Background: Although we are beginning to understand that men experience the emotions of infertility acutely, little is known about how such emotions impact on men’s intimate partner relationships. Evidence suggests that infertility can impact intimate partner relationships (both positively and negatively) but there is a paucity of research around how men talk about such relationship impacts, and how they share their stories with other men. Men are often viewed as the silent supporting partner within infertility contexts, with women narrated as taking the burden within the relationship. Methodology: The paper draws on data from a general discussion board on an online men-only forum. Inductive thematic analysis was utilised to identify key themes across the men’s online posts. Results: Men’s posts demonstrate that infertility challenges relationships, and that men use the forum examined to offer each other advice on coping with infertility in their relationships. Men highlighted a sense of having less agency than their female partners in relation to infertility and that they were less able to access support for themselves as a result. Conclusion: We argue that infertility can be a challenging and complex time within intimate partner relationships and that men construct this situation with reference to gendered norms and constraints within their online accounts. Consideration of both parties in couples experiencing infertility is important for supporting relationships during any diagnosis and treatment processes for infertility.Item Open Access Morbid curiosity? Discussion of the disposal of amputated limbs on online question and answer sites(Sage, 2019-11-25) Hanna, EsmeeAmputation is a growing health issue with implications for the corporeal form and sense of bodily identity. Disposal of the removed limb (the amputate) has historically been suggested to impact upon patient adaptation to amputation, although understandings of limb disposal are scarce within existing research. The growth of online question and answer (Q&A) sites, has created opportunities for social actors to post and respond to a vast array of topic areas, including those which are seen as morbid or taboo. This paper then explores the discussion of amputate disposal within threads from two popular Q&A sites. Using thematic analysis, the paper examines how perceived ownership of limbs, understandings of the amputate as ‘waste’ and recourse to grotesque humour are key means by limb disposal are discussed within these sites. Posters then create a new knowledge around the disposal of limbs, albeit one framed by uncertainty.Item Open Access The pregnancy experiences of amputee women: A qualitative exploration of online posts(Taylor and Francis, 2021-11-18) Hanna, Esmee; Donetto, SaraBackground: This paper seeks to explore the pregnancy experiences of amputee women. Relatively little is known about pregnancy for amputees, but the wider literature on disability and pregnancy shows that the disabled pregnant body is often viewed as ‘high risk’. The majority of amputations (90%) involve lower limb amputations; whilst our analytical interest was not limited to lower limb amputations, the sources we explored reflected the prevalence of lower limb amputees. Methods: Using online blogs and first-person accounts from 6 different sources (3 authors of blogs, 2 authors of websites and 1 author of an information page on a general amputation website), we thematically analyse amputee women’s own narratives around their experiences of pregnancy Findings: . Four key themes were identified, which we describe as: The lack of information for the pregnant amputee; Managing risks; The embodied experience of suffering; and ‘It’s all worth it in the end’. Women amputees faced trade-offs between risks to self and the unborn child and reported physical discomforts due to pregnancy-related bodily changes impacting their prosthesis or residual limb. The challenges of pregnancy as an amputee were, however, all seen to be outweighed by the safe arrival of a healthy baby. Conclusions: The lack of information on pregnancy for amputees may affect women’s resilience to the adaptation challenges they face. Research should further explore the experiences of amputee mothers to ensure adequate information is available to them and their caring professionals, and that the needs of women with more challenging experiences are also addressed.Item Metadata only Searching for help online: An analysis of peer-to-peer posts on a male-only infertility forum.(Sage, 2016-04-22) Hanna, Esmee; Gough, BrendanMen’s experiences of infertility help seeking are under-researched and thus less widely understood than women’s experiences, with men’s needs for support often missing from reproductive research knowledge. This article presents a thematic analysis of peer-to-peer posts within the context of a UK men-only online infertility forum. The key themes demonstrate that men value male support from those with experience, and that masculinity influences help-seeking requests and men’s accounts more broadly. We highlight the value of such online communities in offering support to men in need while recognising the importance of further research across other online settings in order to inform practice around supporting men in the reproductive realm.Item Open Access The social construction of male infertility: A qualitative questionnaire study of men with a male factor infertility diagnosis(Wiley, 2019-11-27) Hanna, Esmee; Gough, BrendanAlthough recent research has highlighted the distressing impact of infertility for men, fertility issues are still routinely seen as a ‘women’s issue’ – even when male factor infertility is highlighted. This paper reports findings from a qualitative questionnaire study focusing on a sample of men with a male factor infertility diagnosis; an under-researched and marginalised group in the context of reproductive medicine. Our analysis suggests that male factor infertility is viewed by men as a failure of masculinity, as stigmatising and silencing, and as an isolating and traumatic experience. It is also clear that these themes are shaped by wider societal discourses which present men as (unproblematically) fertile, uninvested in parenthood and stoic in their approach to emotional distress. Such norms also ensure that reproduction continues to be presented as a ‘women’s issue’ which burdens women and marginalises men. In understanding male factor infertility experiences, the damaging nature of the social construction of male fertility is then more clearly illuminated.Item Metadata only Supporting Young Men as Fathers: Gendered Understandings of Group-Based Community Provisions(Palgrave, 2018) Hanna, EsmeeThis book examines community group settings for young men who are fathers, with particular emphasis on the role of gender within the groups and the possibilities of such groups for the ‘un-doing’of gender. Young men who are fathers are often marginalized and negatively portrayed within society. Groups allow them space and opportunity for peer support with other young men, to gain confidence and skills, and to positively develop their fatherhood identities. They offer young fathers opportunities to encounter new role models and can therefore help to reimagine young men who are fathers, challenging stereotypes and offering support for young men and their families. Supporting Young Men as Fathers will be of interest to students and scholars in the areas of sociology, social work, health promotion and youth work as well as practitioners working within family settings or who may encounter young men who are parents within their professional roles.Item Open Access Understanding amputation care in England and Scotland: A qualitative exploration of patient stories posted on an online patient feedback site(Taylor and Francis, 2021) Hanna, Esmee; Robert, GlennPurpose: Undergoing an amputation is a life altering experience which can involve a protracted and intensive period of care from a range of healthcare professionals. Amputation care within the NHS has historically been criticised. Here we seek to understand how patients are experiencing care by exploring their stories and identifying features of both high- and low-quality care. Materials and Method: We analysed patient stories posted on the patient feedback site Care Opinion during the period 2018-2020 to examine how amputee patients (and their families) experience NHS care. Using thematic analysis, we identified four key themes. Results: We found that patients’ stories of undergoing an amputation as posted on Care Opinion give overwhelmingly positive feedback on their experiences. Patients report feeling well supported by empathetic staff, and that the outcomes, in terms of quality of life and restoration of mobility, are beneficial. Time was a common feature within the posts we examined and negative experiences of care often related to untimeliness in a variety of ways. Conclusions: Care Opinion provides a useful and accessible resource for understanding how patients experience amputation care; analysis of stories posted there provides preliminary ideas of the features of ‘good care’ from a patient-centred perspective.Item Open Access What do you want to do with the leg?”: A critical narrative review of the understandings and implications of disposal in the context of limb amputations(SAGE OPEN, 2019-06-25) Hanna, EsmeePurpose: Amputation is seen to be a potentially distressing experience for patients and one which, for some patients, is seen as being akin to grief. Historically medical professionals have alluded to the relevance of considerations of disposal of amputates after the process of amputation as being implicated in the psychological adjustment too amputation, yet limited understandings around disposal are evident. The disruption of bodily integrity by the process of amputation also presents a disruption of our norms around the disposal of human tissue, presenting challenges for how healthcare professionals can support patients through enacting their decisions around disposal. Methods and Materials: This narrative review paper then explores the existing literature around disposal of amputates, drawing on literature from across the health and social sciences to examine what is known about disposal. Results and Conclusions: The paper then argues that our considerations of disposal remain lacking despite the increasing incidence of amputation and the potential distress that not managing disposal can cause for some patients. The paper also examines the social implications of disposal and how limitations around disposal can itself reinforce the overlooking of disposal within the process and experience of amputation.Item Metadata only Women’s perspectives on the value of a father’s initiative in shifting gendered practices within families(Taylor and Francis, 2016-10-31) Hanna, Esmee; Robertson, Steven; Woodall, James; Rowlands, SimonThis paper explores the qualitative perspectives of women about a community embedded fathers initiative in Northern England. Projects to improve the wellbeing of men and their children are less common within the landscape of parent and child support, with mothers more often being the target recipients. Asking women about their perceptions of an initiative for fathers then offers original insights from women who are positioned as ‘related outsiders’, in that they were ‘outside’ the project but ‘inside’ the family and community. Findings suggest that women are able to see the positive impact of such a project, identifying that it offers a shared space for men and children, time for mothers without their children and can help with shifting roles and attitudes around child care and emotional labour in the home. The initiative was also seen by the women as offering men more healthy means of coping, including men moving away from traditional hegemonic practices, which in turn shifted some women’s long held gendered beliefs about men as fathers. This research then offers a relational gendered backstory to a father’s initiative, demonstrating how such initiatives can potentially ‘undo’ gender and the positive implications this could have for families.