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Roberts C, Toohey K, Paterson C. The Experiences and Unmet Supportive Care Needs of Partners of Men Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer: A Meta-aggregation Systematic Review. Cancer Nurs 2024:00002820-990000000-00074. [PMID: 36480350 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Partners of men diagnosed with prostate cancer face their own emotional struggles as they navigate additional caregiver responsibilities while concurrently adjusting to the diagnosis and coping with greater illness uncertainty for their loved one. OBJECTIVE This qualitative systematic review examined the unmet supportive care needs of partners affected by prostate cancer. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS A meta-aggregation was conducted. Four electronic databases were searched using key words. The methodology followed the Joanna Briggs Institute for qualitative evidence synthesis. The review process followed a registered priori review protocol and was reported using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted in parallel. RESULTS Twenty-one publications were included. A total of 239 findings and 32 categories were synthesized into 7 domains of unmet needs as experienced by partners. The domains of needs expressed by the participants included interpersonal/intimacy, physical/daily living, healthcare service, family-related, psychological/emotional needs, and spiritual and social needs. CONCLUSIONS There are gaps in clinical service support, despite routine clinical consultation with healthcare professionals. Partners may diminish their social networks to protect their husband at the cost to their own self-preservation and well-being. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Cancer organizations, policy makers, healthcare care professionals, and researchers are slowly making progress to acknowledge the unique support needs of partners affected by cancer. Healthcare professionals should encourage partners to be included in models of prehabilitation to access timely support to address informational, intimacy, spiritual, and daily living needs support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Roberts
- Author Affiliations: Faculty of Health (Drs Paterson and Toohey and Ms Roberts) and Prehabilitation, Activity, Cancer, Exercise, and Survivorship (PACES) Research Group (Dr Paterson, Dr Toohey and Ms Roberts), University of Canberra, Bruce; and Canberra Health Services & ACT Health, SYNERGY Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, ACT Health Directorate Level 3, Canberra Hospital, Garran (Dr Paterson), Australian Capital Territory, Australia; and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom (Dr Paterson)
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Green A, Winter N, DiGiacomo M, Oliffe JL, Ralph N, Dunn J, Chambers SK. Experiences of female partners of prostate cancer survivors: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1213-1232. [PMID: 34761456 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this systematic review and synthesis of studies reporting qualitative data was to understand the gendered experiences of female partners of prostate cancer survivors to inform psychosocial support for women. We searched Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Sociological Abstracts for articles on 15 and 16 April 2019, and again on 30 November 2020. English language articles published in peer-reviewed journals were included if they reported solely on findings describing the perspectives of the female partners. Extracted data were analysed using line-by-line coding, organisation of codes into descriptive themes, and development of analytical themes. A theoretical framework was then selected to organise the relationships between issues that were found to be central to the experiences of female partners. Of 4839 articles screened, 14 met inclusion criteria, reporting 13 studies with a total sample of 359 female partners. Ussher and Sandoval's theory to describe the gendered positionings of cancer caregivers accommodated the thematic findings. The overarching theme reflected the substantive psychosocial impact of prostate cancer on female partners. Women's experiences were influenced by self-positioning (as part of a couple; provider of support to their male partner; resilient; and guided by faith and spirituality), being positioned by their partners' response (manager of male partner's psychological distress or strengthened by male partner's positive response) and by their broader contexts (family members and social networks; clinicians and the health system; and cultural values and customs). Findings highlight the need to avoid reductionist approaches to gender. Greater consideration of 'contextualised femininities', or conceptualising the influence of gender roles, relations, and identities within the wider life course contexts of female partners is required in the design and delivery of psychosocial support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Green
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Winter
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle DiGiacomo
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John L Oliffe
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas Ralph
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
- Division of Research and Innovation, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Queensland, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jeff Dunn
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
- Division of Research and Innovation, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Queensland, Australia
- Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzanne K Chambers
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia
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Lyons KS, Gorman JR, Larkin BS, Duncan G, Hayes-Lattin B. Active Engagement, Protective Buffering, and Depressive Symptoms in Young-Midlife Couples Surviving Cancer: The Roles of Age and Sex. Front Psychol 2022; 13:816626. [PMID: 35250747 PMCID: PMC8891218 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.816626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer researchers have found midlife couples to have poorer outcomes compared to older couples due to the off-time nature of the illness for them. It is unknown if young couples (aged 18-39), who are under-represented in cancer studies and overlooked for supportive programs, are at further risk. This study explored the moderating roles of survivor age and sex on the associations between active engagement and protective buffering and depressive symptoms in couples surviving cancer. METHODS The exploratory study comprised 49 couples (aged 27-58) 1-3 years post-diagnosis. Multilevel modeling was used to explore the moderating roles of survivor age and sex, controlling for interdependent data. RESULTS Approximately, 37% of survivors and 27% of partners met clinical criteria for further assessment of depression, with 50% of couples having at least one member meeting the criteria. Survivors and their partners did not significantly differ on depressive symptoms, active engagement, or protective buffering. Male survivors reported significantly higher levels of active engagement by their partners than female survivors and female survivors reported significantly higher levels of protective buffering by their partners than male survivors. We found some evidence to suggest that survivor age and sex may play moderating roles between active engagement and protective buffering and depressive symptoms. Older partners and female survivors appeared to experience more positive effects from engaging in positive dyadic behaviors than younger partners and male survivors. CONCLUSION Findings not only confirm the important role of dyadic behaviors for couples surviving cancer together, but also the important roles of survivor age and sex may play in whether such behaviors are associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Future research that examines these complex associations over time and across the adult life span in diverse populations is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen S Lyons
- Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Jessica R Gorman
- School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Brandon S Larkin
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Grace Duncan
- Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Brandon Hayes-Lattin
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Lyons KS, Flatley C, Gorman JR, Hanan DM, Hayes-Lattin B. Challenges experienced and resources identified by young to midlife couples 1-3 years post-cancer diagnosis. Psychooncology 2021; 31:116-121. [PMID: 34432928 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore what young to midlife couples viewed as their strengths as a couple and the greatest challenges in their experience with cancer 1-3 years post-diagnosis. METHODS We used qualitative content analysis to extract common themes from open-ended questions from 42 cancer survivors and their partners (aged 27-58). Patterns of themes by age and gender of the survivor were also explored. RESULTS Couples described both positive and negative impacts of the cancer experience: (1) strengthened the relationship, bringing couples closer together; (2) brought emotional strain to many areas of life, especially for partners; (3) created positive changes in lifestyle and new priorities for the couple; (4) created strain in the couple's relationship and intimacy; and (5) altered the role of family in supporting the couple. Couples also described four key strengths in dealing with the cancer experience: (1) drawing strength from shared love and mutuality; (2) communicating openly, even about the difficult stuff; (3) working together as a team to support each other; and (4) drawing strength from shared values and goals. Couples reported unmet needs related to the emotional and relational strain of the cancer experience, managing longer term survivor symptoms, fertility and physical intimacy, and lack of support or attention to the partner who often assumed the role of care partner. CONCLUSIONS Themes are discussed in light of current dyadic concepts and importance of couple-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen S Lyons
- William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christine Flatley
- William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica R Gorman
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Diana M Hanan
- William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
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Geese F, Willener R, Spichiger E. Patients' and partners' experiences with prostate cancer and advanced practice nurse counselling. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGICAL NURSING 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ijun.12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Geese
- Department of Health Profession Academic‐Practice‐Partnership, Bern University of Applied Sciences Bern Switzerland
| | - Rita Willener
- Department of Urology Inselspital Bern University Hospital Bern Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Spichiger
- Department of Nursing Development Directorate of Nursing, Medical‐Technical and Medical‐Therapeutic Areas, Inselspital Bern University Hospital Bern Switzerland
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Collaço N, Wagland R, Alexis O, Gavin A, Glaser A, Watson EK. Using the Framework Method for the Analysis of Qualitative Dyadic Data in Health Research. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:1555-1564. [PMID: 33980102 PMCID: PMC8278550 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211011599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
There are an increasing number of qualitative studies which focus on the dyad (couples, families, caregivers-patients, health care professionals-patients). However, there is limited literature regarding qualitative methodology for dyadic analysis when members of the couple have been interviewed separately. The aim of this article is to share the knowledge we gained from undertaking a novel approach to dyadic analysis. We used an adapted version of the Framework method on data gathered in a study exploring the impact of prostate cancer on younger men and their partners. In this article, we examine and reflect on the challenges of this type of analysis and describe how we analyzed the interview data from a dyadic point of view, to share what we learned in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Collaço
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Wagland
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Obrey Alexis
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Gavin
- Northern Ireland Cancer Registry School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Glaser
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Eila K. Watson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Matheson L, Nayoan J, Rivas C, Brett J, Wright P, Butcher H, Gavin A, Glaser A, Watson E, Wagland R. A Qualitative Exploration of Prostate Cancer Survivors Experiencing Psychological Distress: Loss of Self, Function, Connection, and Control. Oncol Nurs Forum 2021; 47:318-330. [PMID: 32301932 DOI: 10.1188/20.onf.318-330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the experiences of men with prostate cancer identified as having psychological distress and to identify factors influencing distress. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING 28 men with prostate cancer diagnosed 18-42 months earlier, identified as having psychological distress on survey measures. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis using a framework approach was used. FINDINGS Men with psychological distress had strong perceptions of loss toward self (identity, sexuality/masculinity, self-confidence), function (physical activities), connection (relational, social, community), and control (future, emotional). Psychological vulnerability appeared heightened in particular groups of men. Maladaptive strategies of emotional concealment, help-seeking avoidance, and withdrawal appeared to contribute to distress. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Distress in men with prostate cancer is multifaceted. Men with distress should be identified and offered support. Nurse- or peer-led interventions are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hugh Butcher
- Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (LAPCD) patient user advisory group
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Collaço N, Wagland R, Alexis O, Gavin A, Glaser A, Watson EK. The experiences and needs of couples affected by prostate cancer aged 65 and under: a qualitative study. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 15:358-366. [PMID: 32968952 PMCID: PMC7966139 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-020-00936-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prostate Cancer (PCa) is often considered to be an illness affecting older men, however the prevalence in younger men (<=65 years) is rising. Diagnosis and treatment for PCa can have a significant impact on the lives of both the man with PCa and his partner. This study explored the experiences and needs of younger men and their partners affected by PCa. The findings will be used to inform service provision and develop interventions appropriate to need. METHODS Participants were recruited from respondents to a national PROMS study (Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (LAPCD), who indicated on completed questionnaires their willingness to be interviewed. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with twenty-eight couples, separately (56 participants). Data were analysed using the Framework Method. RESULTS Following the diagnosis of PCa, couples' experienced changes in their intimate relationships, parental/familial roles, work and finances, and social connections and activities. Couples adopted a range of strategies and behaviours to help their adjustment to PCa, such as communicating with each other, distancing, distraction, and adopting a positive mindset towards PCa. This, in turn, influenced how their identity as a couple evolved. CONCLUSIONS Following a diagnosis of PCa, the identity of couples are continually evolving. It is important that these couples are provided with the appropriate information, support and resources to help them transition along the cancer pathway. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Key areas of support identified for younger couples include: 1) couple focused support programme to foster relationship strategies/behaviours that facilitate couple adjustment; 2) age-specific support, e.g. 'buddying systems' connecting younger couples affected by PCa and providing them with tailored information (written/online/app).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Collaço
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, S017 1BJ, UK.
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Jack Straws Lane, Oxford, OX3 0FL, UK.
| | - Richard Wagland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, S017 1BJ, UK
| | - Obrey Alexis
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Jack Straws Lane, Oxford, OX3 0FL, UK
| | - Anna Gavin
- Northern Ireland Cancer Registry Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Adam Glaser
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Worsley Building, Leeds, LS2 9NL, UK
| | - Eila K Watson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Jack Straws Lane, Oxford, OX3 0FL, UK
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Matuszczak-Świgoń J, Bakiera L. Experiences of adults as parents with cancer: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. J Psychosoc Oncol 2021; 39:765-788. [PMID: 33423606 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2020.1859662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION This thematic synthesis is aimed at providing an overview of qualitative studies on parenting experiences during cancer and focuses on the investigation of the challenges parents face and the strategies they use to adapt to a new situation. LITERATURE SEARCH A search of five electronic databases was conducted, specifying publication dates between 1993 and 2020. Qualitative studies, which focused on parenting experiences of cancer patients with minor children from an ill parent perspective, were included in the review. Thematic synthesis was undertaken to examine the included studies by referring to a theoretical model of family resilience by Froma Walsh. DATA EVALUATION 12,345 articles were discovered and, after assessment for eligibility, 27 studies were included in the review. The thematic synthesis involved line by line coding of the findings of the primary studies and the development of descriptive and analytical themes. CONCLUSIONS This review showed that parenting is a process that requires restructuring in the face of cancer. After cancer diagnosis, requirements connected to the illness and its treatments are imposed on previous family life duties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Matuszczak-Świgoń
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Department of Developmental Psychology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland.,Oncology and Hematology Ward in Medical Centre, Pleszew, Poland
| | - Lucyna Bakiera
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Department of Developmental Psychology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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