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Fiorella M, Alnemri A, Sussman S, Koka A, Johnson J, Cognetti D, Curry J, Mady L, Worster B, Leader AE, Luginbuhl A. Impact of Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment on Patient-Partner Intimacy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 169:520-527. [PMID: 36125900 DOI: 10.1177/01945998221126068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis and treatment on patient- and partner-perceived intimacy and to understand if a diagnosis of HPV-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma influences patient-partner intimacy. STUDY DESIGN Prospective observational. SETTING Single tertiary care center. METHODS An investigator-developed questionnaire was used to prospectively survey patients and partners in 2 groups based on human papillomavirus (HPV) status: HPV+ and HPV- at diagnosis (visit 1) and after treatment (visit 2). Surveys were scored on a 60-point scale, and results were categorized as follows: loss of intimacy (0-30), stable relationship (31-41), or improvement in intimacy (42-60). Responses of couples who participated together were assessed for concordance. Responses were considered discordant if patient and partner scores equated to different levels of perceived intimacy. Median patient and partner scores were compared via Mann-Whitney U test, and concordance was assessed with a chi-square test. RESULTS Thirty-four patients and 28 partners completed surveys at visit 1 and 28 patients and 15 partners at visit 2. Median scores among patients and partners were similar at the first time point (HPV+, 45 vs 45, P = .64; HPV-, 42.6 vs 40.8, P = .29) and the second (HPV+, 44.5 vs 44, P = .87; HPV-, 40.2 vs 39.6, P = .90). Concordance rates between HPV+ and HPV- couples were 63% vs 44% (P = .43) for the first time point and 89% vs 50% (P = .24) for the second. CONCLUSION Patients and partners reported stable or improved intimacy at both time points, and most couples tended to agree on their levels of perceived intimacy. A diagnosis of HPV did not appear to significantly affect intimacy scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fiorella
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Angela Alnemri
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah Sussman
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anusha Koka
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jennifer Johnson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David Cognetti
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joseph Curry
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leila Mady
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brooke Worster
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy E Leader
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Adam Luginbuhl
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Chen JJ, Wang QL, Li HP, Zhang T, Zhang SS, Zhou MK. Family resilience, perceived social support, and individual resilience in cancer couples: Analysis using the actor-partner interdependence mediation model. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2021; 52:101932. [PMID: 33799020 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.101932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the impact of family resilience on the individual resilience of couples during cancer and explore the potential mediating role of perceived social support and the moderating role of sex in this association in cancer patient-spouse dyads. METHOD The participants were 272 cancer patients and their spouses (N = 544) who completed the Family Resilience Assessment Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale and the Resilience Scale. We adopted the actor-partner interdependence mediation model to examine whether and how patients' and their spouses' family resilience was associated with their own and their partners' perceived social support and individual resilience. RESULTS The results indicated that the patients' and their spouses' level of family resilience was positively associated with their own individual resilience directly and indirectly by increasing their own perceived social support. The family resilience of the spouses was associated with an increase in the patients' individual resilience only indirectly by increasing the patients' perceived social support. The spouse-actor effects between family resilience and individual resilience differed significantly by sex. CONCLUSION Enhancing family resilience and perceived social support within the family can improve individual resilience. The findings regarding the sex differences serve as a rationale for gender-based approaches to improving individual resilience in the family context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Juan Chen
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Quan-Lan Wang
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hui-Ping Li
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | | | - Meng-Ke Zhou
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Grégoire C, Faymonville ME, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Charland-Verville V, Jerusalem G, Willems S, Bragard I. Exploratory Controlled Study of the Impact of a Hypnosis-Based Intervention on the Couple's Communication and Coping in the Context of Cancer. Int J Clin Exp Hypn 2021; 69:261-276. [PMID: 33570469 DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2021.1878897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Emotional distress, communication, and dyadic coping difficulties are common among cancer patients and their partners. Hypnosis-based interventions can improve emotional distress in patients. We designed a group intervention combining self-hypnosis and self-care techniques. We hypothesized an effect of the intervention on emotional distress, conjugal communication, and dyadic coping, considered in patients and their partners. Our exploratory controlled study included 55 women with cancer and 55 partners. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the intervention, which was delivered to patients only. No significant effect of the intervention was revealed for patients or partners. Positive correlations between patients' and partners' communication and dyadic coping were revealed. However, to address couples' or partners' difficulties, interventions specifically designed for couples or partners must be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Grégoire
- Faculty of Psychology, Speech Therapy and Educational Sciences, Liège, Belgium.,Sensation and Perception Research Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville
- Sensation and Perception Research Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Belgium.,Interdisciplinary Algology Centre, CHU, Liège, Belgium
| | - Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse
- Sensation and Perception Research Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Belgium.,Interdisciplinary Algology Centre, CHU, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Guy Jerusalem
- Medical Oncology Department, CHU Liège and University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Willems
- Faculty of Psychology, Speech Therapy and Educational Sciences, Liège, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Bragard
- Research and Continuing Education Department, Haute Ecole Libre Mosane (Helmo), Liège, Belgium
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Hawkey AJ, Ussher JM, Perz J, Parton C, Patterson P, Bateson D, Hobbs K, Kirsten L. The impact of cancer-related fertility concerns on current and future couple relationships: People with cancer and partner perspectives. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2020; 30:e13348. [PMID: 33084134 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine how cancer-related fertility concerns impact on couple relationships from the perspectives of people with cancer (PWC) and partners of people with cancer. METHODS A qualitative research design was used, drawing data from open-ended responses to a survey and in-depth individual interviews. Eight hundred and seventy-eight PWC (693 women, 185 men) and 144 partners (82 women, 62 men), across a range of tumour types and age groups, completed a survey, and 78 PWC (61 women and 17 men) and 26 partners (13 women and 13 men), participated in semi-structured interviews. RESULTS Thematic analysis identified that many PWC and partners experience a 'double burden', manifested by cancer-related fertility concerns creating relational stress, changes to couple sexual intimacy and feelings of inadequacy when forming new relationships. However, many participants adopted strategies to facilitate coping with infertility or fertility concerns. This included acceptance of infertility and privileging of survival, focusing on relationship growth, optimism and nurturing in other ways. CONCLUSION Cancer-related fertility concerns can have a significant impact on couple relationships. Psychological support from clinicians may facilitate couple coping, as well as help to address concerns about future relationships for un-partnered people with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J Hawkey
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane M Ussher
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Janette Perz
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Chloe Parton
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Kim Hobbs
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura Kirsten
- Nepean Cancer Care Centre, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW, Australia
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5
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Parmelee Streck B, LoBiondo-Wood G. A systematic review of dyadic studies examining depression in couples facing breast cancer. J Psychosoc Oncol 2020; 38:463-480. [PMID: 32202229 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2020.1734894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Problem identification: The aim was to synthesize the dyadic literature on depression among couples in which one person has breast cancer.Literature search: A database search (PubMed, PsychInfo, CINAHL) was conducted to synthesize the literature. Studies' methodological quality was evaluated, and correlates of depression/interdependence were abstracted.Data evaluation/synthesis: Ten (of 270) studies met the inclusion criteria and were of satisfactory methodological quality. Depression is prevalent in both patients and partners, and was correlated with many psychosocial variables including sexual satisfaction, relationship quality, social support, and appraisal of health. Depression in one member of the dyad predicted depression in their companion.Conclusions: Levels of relationship quality, sexual satisfaction, and support felt by couples facing breast cancer may be predictive of depression in each individual. The depressive state of one partner appears to influence the other. More research is needed to support dyadic strategies for mitigating depression in couples facing breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennan Parmelee Streck
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Cizik School of Nursing, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Geri LoBiondo-Wood
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Cizik School of Nursing, Houston, Texas, USA
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Grégoire C, Faymonville ME, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Charland-Verville V, Jerusalem G, Bragard I. Randomized controlled trial of an 8-week intervention combining self-care and hypnosis for post-treatment cancer patients: study protocol. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1113. [PMID: 30442120 PMCID: PMC6238378 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5046-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer has a lot of consequences on patients’ quality of life (such as cancer-related fatigue (CRF), sleep difficulties and emotional distress) and on patients’ partners and their relationship, such as distress and communication difficulties. These consequences are undertreated, and interventions based on hypnosis often focus on breast cancer patients only. This paper describes the study protocol of a longitudinal randomized controlled trial aiming to assess the efficacy of an 8-week intervention combining hypnosis and self-care to improve cancer patients’ CRF, sleep and emotional distress and to indirectly improve their partners’ distress. Methods A power analysis required a total sample of 88 patients. To test the efficacy of the intervention, results of the experimental group receiving the intervention will be compared to those of the control group. Data will be collected by questionnaires, relaxation tasks, an attentional bias task, and everyday life assessments measured at four different times: 1.) before inclusion in the study (baseline); 2.) after the intervention; and 3.) at 4- and 12-month follow-up. Partners’ symptoms will also be evaluated with questionnaires at the same measurement times. Discussion There is a growing interest in alternative approaches (such as hypnosis) in addition to standard therapies in oncology settings. The results of this study should be useful for improving knowledge about long-term efficacy of hypnosis-based group interventions for CRF, sleep and distress among all types of cancer patients and their partners, and to better understand the mechanisms of emotional regulation in cancer patients through the attentional bias task. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03144154). Retrospectively registered on the 1st of May, 2017. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5046-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Grégoire
- Public Health Department and Sensation and Perception Research Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville
- Algology-Palliative Care Department, CHU Liège, and Sensation and Perception Research Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse
- Algology-Palliative Care Department, CHU Liège, and Sensation and Perception Research Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Charland-Verville
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University and CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Guy Jerusalem
- Medical Oncology Department, CHU Liège and University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Bragard
- Public Health Department and Sensation and Perception Research Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Abstract
Introduction: Patients with cancer may experience psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, anger, helplessness, and unappreciated, so in certain situations require defense mechanisms (coping mechanism) to oppose or resist feelings of anxiety, fear or stress that haunt her. The aim of this study was to know the coping mechanism of career women with breast cancer reviewed by phenomenology in Palembang 2016. Method: Type of this study was a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. Total samples were 8 participants with inclusion criteria: career women, productive age range, health physic and physiologic. Independent variable was a coping mechanism, and the dependent variable was breast cancer. The instrument used the voice recorder, and interview guides. Data analyze used verbatim transcript with credibility, dependability, and confirmability. Result: The results showed that working women who have breast cancer have a coping strategy that is adjusted to the psychological condition and physical reactions of the therapy in progress. Psychologically, the coping mechanism is in the form of rejecting, drawing closer to Allah SWT, seeking the opinion of other health workers, discussing conditions with spouse and family, seeking alternative treatment and asking for doctor's direction. The coping mechanism of the body's reaction to therapy is done by taking medicine according to the rules and remember Allah SWT. Conclusions: Need the support of the coping mechanism in patients with breast cancer and nursing care approach with the pattern of coping mechanisms with the involvement of the family.
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Ianakieva I, Fergus K, Ahmad S, Pos A, Pereira A. A Model of Engagement Promotion in a Professionally Facilitated Online Intervention for Couples Affected by Breast Cancer. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2016; 42:701-715. [PMID: 27234009 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Professionally facilitated web-based interventions for couples affected by an illness such as cancer are growing in popularity. Attrition rates for such online programs, however, are substantially higher than what is observed in face-to-face therapeutic contexts, and lower levels of participant engagement are associated with poorer outcomes. In the present investigation, a task analysis was employed to develop a model of engagement promotion in an online intervention for couples affected by breast cancer called "Couplelinks." Results indicated that facilitators utilized a variety of meta-processes, such as humanizing the technology, and associated "eBehaviors," to maintain three relationships involved in promoting online engagement: (a) between the facilitator and couple; (b) between the intervention and couple; and (c) between the partners within the couple.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Fergus
- York University
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
| | - Saunia Ahmad
- York University
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
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Möllerberg ML, Sandgren A, Lithman T, Noreen D, Olsson H, Sjövall K. The effects of a cancer diagnosis on the health of a patient's partner: a population-based registry study of cancer in Sweden. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2016; 25:744-52. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M.-L. Möllerberg
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences; Linnaeus University; Växjö Sweden
- Department of Oncology; Skåne University Hospital; Lund Sweden
| | - A. Sandgren
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences; Linnaeus University; Växjö Sweden
- Center for Collaborative Palliative Care; Linnaeus University; Växjö Sweden
| | - T. Lithman
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology; Clinical Sciences; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - D. Noreen
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology; Clinical Sciences; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - H. Olsson
- Department of Oncology; Skåne University Hospital; Lund Sweden
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology; Clinical Sciences; Lund University; Lund Sweden
- Department of Oncology; Clinical Sciences; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - K. Sjövall
- Department of Oncology; Skåne University Hospital; Lund Sweden
- Department of Oncology; Clinical Sciences; Lund University; Lund Sweden
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10
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Zimmermann T. Intimate Relationships Affected by Breast Cancer: Interventions for Couples. Breast Care (Basel) 2015. [PMID: 26195938 DOI: 10.1159/000381966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A cancer diagnosis imposes significant emotional distress on a substantial proportion of patients and their partners, posing many challenges for both members of a couple. Facing a breast cancer diagnosis, couples may experience psychosocial distress, which might also affect their individual and dyadic functioning. Coping with cancer from a couple-based perspective as a dyadic stressor can profoundly influence psychosocial adjustment as well as individual and dyadic functioning of patients and spouses. Dyadic coping allows a better matching of needs, sharing of worries, and mutual support, resulting in higher relationship satisfaction. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the issues faced by women diagnosed with breast cancer and their spouses, with particular emphasis on interventions for couples coping with cancer. The effectiveness of couple-based interventions is summarized with a critical discussion. For further research, a better understanding of the challenges couples coping with cancer may face and more insights on how to improve interventions for couples might facilitate improvements in the quality of cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Zimmermann
- Clinic for Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
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Drabe N, Klaghofer R, Weidt S, Zwahlen D, Büchi S, Jenewein J. Mutual associations between patients' and partners' depression and quality of life with respect to relationship quality, physical complaints, and sense of coherence in couples coping with cancer. Psychooncology 2014; 24:442-50. [PMID: 25187233 DOI: 10.1002/pon.3662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this article is to examine the mutual associations between patients' and partners' depression and quality of life (QOL) in couples facing cancer with respect to potential resources (sense of coherence and relationship quality (RQ)) and stressors (physical complaints). PATIENTS AND METHODS Questionnaires rating depression, QOL, sense of coherence, RQ, and physical complaints were completed by 207 couples facing different cancer types and stages. Multiple regression models were used to assess the mutual associations between patient and partner variables. RESULTS In female patients, 40.7% of the variance in depression score was explained by male partners' stressors and resources, whereas only 3.5% of the variance in male patients' depression was explained by female partners' stressors and resources. In male and female partners, respectively, the patients' stressors and resources explained 34.9% versus just 15.8% of the variance in depression. Regarding QOL in female patients, 30.1% of the variance was explained by the partners' stressors and resources, versus only 3.7% in male patients. Meanwhile, in male and female partners, respectively, the patients' stressors and resources explained 25.6% and 12.9% of the variance in QOL. CONCLUSIONS These findings support a couples-centered approach to psycho-oncological counseling and treatment. Particularly in depressed couples with low RQ, couples therapy or counseling should be considered because of the mutual adverse association between depression and QOL in these couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Drabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Traa MJ, De Vries J, Bodenmann G, Den Oudsten BL. Dyadic coping and relationship functioning in couples coping with cancer: A systematic review. Br J Health Psychol 2014; 20:85-114. [DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marjan J. Traa
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology; Centre of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases (CoRPS); Tilburg University; The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda De Vries
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology; Centre of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases (CoRPS); Tilburg University; The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology; St. Elisabeth Hospital; Tilburg The Netherlands
| | - Guy Bodenmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology for Children/Adolescents and Couples/Families; University of Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Brenda L. Den Oudsten
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology; Centre of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases (CoRPS); Tilburg University; The Netherlands
- Department of Education and Research; St. Elisabeth Hospital; Tilburg The Netherlands
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Chambers SK, Schover L, Nielsen L, Halford K, Clutton S, Gardiner RA, Dunn J, Occhipinti S. Couple distress after localised prostate cancer. Support Care Cancer 2013; 21:2967-76. [PMID: 23756617 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-013-1868-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The experience of the diagnosis of prostate cancer is distressing for both men and their partners. The present study describes the prevalence of psychological distress in men with prostate cancer and their partners, and the predictors of adjustment outcomes. METHODS/DESIGN A cross-sectional survey of 189 prostate cancer patients who were scheduled for or had undergone surgery for localised prostate cancer and their partners assessed socio-demographic variables, masculine self-esteem and social intimacy, psychological adjustment and quality of life. RESULTS Overall, patients and partners reported low distress; however, female partners were more anxious with 36 % reporting mild to severe anxiety. For men, masculine self-esteem and time since diagnosis were most strongly related to mental health status; urinary bother most influenced physical quality of life. For female partners, the man's psychological distress and his sexual bother were most strongly related to her mental health status; higher social intimacy was most strongly associated with physical quality of life. CONCLUSION The correlates of distress after the diagnosis of prostate cancer differ between patients and female partners. For men, masculine self-esteem may be most crucial, whereas for women, her partner's level of distress may matter most. Research to better understand these interactions is needed.
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