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Acquati C, Miller-Sonet E, Zhang A, Ionescu E. Social Wellbeing in Cancer Survivorship: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Self-Reported Relationship Closeness and Ambivalence from a Community Sample. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:1720-1732. [PMID: 36826094 PMCID: PMC9955865 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Improvements in early screening and treatment have contributed to the growth of the number of cancer survivors. Understanding and mitigating the adverse psychosocial, functional, and economic outcomes they experience is critical. Social wellbeing refers to the quality of the relationship with partners/spouses, children, or significant others. Close relationships contribute to quality of life and self-management; however, limited literature exists about social wellbeing during survivorship. This study examined positive and negative self-reported changes in a community sample of 505 cancer survivors. Fourteen items assessed changes in communication, closeness with partner/children, stability of the relationship, and caregiving burden. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted using a robust weighted least square procedure. Differences by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were investigated. Respondents were mostly male, non-Hispanic white, and ≥4 years since diagnosis. Two factors, labeled Relationship Closeness and Ambivalence, emerged from the analysis. Women, younger survivors, individuals from minority groups, and those with lower income experienced greater negative changes in social wellbeing. Variations by treatment status, time since diagnosis, and institution were also reported. This contribution identifies groups of cancer survivors experiencing affected social wellbeing. Results emphasize the need to develop interventions sustaining the quality of interpersonal relationships to promote long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-743-4343
| | | | - Anao Zhang
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elena Ionescu
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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Abstract
Over the past decade, cancer incidence has increased globally while its mortality has decreased. Accordingly, healthcare practitioners aim to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients. The biopsychosocial model suggests medical professionals' understanding of how psychosocial factors influence the entire course of cancer is critical. However, until now, an integrative review summarising the full scope of these psychosocial domains has been lacking. This review substantiates that cancer patients, survivors, their caregivers, and oncology professionals face substantial psychosocial challenges. Cancer patients and survivors may experience deterioration of self-concept, disturbance of body image, sexual problems and difficulties in social relationships while attempting to cope with casual issues. The burdens of care provision and the impact on the health of caregivers of cancer patients are also noteworthy. Improving the quality of patient-doctor communication and overcoming burnout are significant challenges for oncology healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youyang Wang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Yoshida K, Matsui Y. A Pilot Study for the Development and Evaluation of an Educational Program to Reduce Stigma Toward Cancer and Cancer Survivors: Focusing on Dating and Marriage After Cancer Diagnosis. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:806-811. [PMID: 32980978 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01885-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The marriage rate of cancer survivors is lower than that of the general population and their siblings. This appears to be attributable to negative images and stigma in society regarding cancer and cancer survivors. In order to improve images and decrease stigma regarding cancer and cancer survivors, this study aimed to develop an educational program that primarily focuses on dating and marriage after cancer diagnosis. The education program was conducted for university students, and among 67 participants who attended the education program, 61 participants completed a self-report questionnaire both before and after the program. The questionnaire included measures to assess reluctance to date or marry a cancer survivor, attitudes toward marriage and having children, and level of empathy. Scores on most items assessing reluctance decreased after the program; however, only three items showed a significant decrease: reluctance to date a cancer survivor if cancer recurred or metastasized, and reluctance if one's family objects to dating a cancer survivor. Both before and after the program, disease severity was the main cause for reluctance to date. In addition, empathetic concern was associated with reduced reluctance to date or marry a cancer survivor, while conservative attitudes toward marriage were associated with greater reluctance which was a result of familial concerns regarding such relationships. Some of the reluctance could be attributable to sociocultural values in Asia, where the choice of romantic partner is likely to be subject to familial influence.
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Braun SE, Lanoye A, Aslanzadeh FJ, Loughan AR. Subjective executive dysfunction in patients with primary brain tumors and their informants: relationships with neurocognitive, psychological, and daily functioning. Brain Inj 2021; 35:1665-1673. [PMID: 34874214 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.2008492] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We assessed agreement between patient- and informant-report on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult (BRIEF-A) in patients with primary brain tumors (PBT) and differences on BRIEF-A in neurocognitive (intact v. impaired), psychological (asymptomatic v. distressed), and functional (independent v. dependent) categories using both patient- and informant-report. METHOD PBT patients (n = 102) completed neuropsychological evaluations including the BRIEF-A, clinical interview, neurocognitive tests, and mood questionnaires. Correlations between the BRIEF-A and Informant (n = 39) were conducted. Differences in patient and informant BRIEF-A indices were investigated across five classifications: neurocognitive functioning, psychological functioning, medication management, appointment management, and finance management. RESULTS Patient and informant BRIEF were correlated. There was no difference on BRIEF-A or Informant indices for intact v. impaired neurocognitive status. Higher BRIEF-A and Informant indices were observed among psychologically distressed v. asymptomatic patients. Results showed higher BRIEF indices among those requiring assistance with medication, appointments, and finances. CONCLUSIONS Patients and informants agreed in their reports of executive function (EF). These reports, while not different in neurocognitive classification, were different in psychological functioning and in those needing assistance with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Patient- and informant-reported EF may provide important data regarding psychological and IADL functioning in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ellen Braun
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Autumn Lanoye
- Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Farah J Aslanzadeh
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ashlee R Loughan
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Esch M. Sexual Health: A Nursing Approach to Supporting the Needs of Young Adult Cancer Survivors. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2021; 25:501-506. [PMID: 34533525 DOI: 10.1188/21.cjon.501-506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sexual health is an important aspect of survivorship for young adult (YA) cancer survivors, who frequently experience physical and psychosocial changes related to sexuality and intimacy during and after treatment for cancer. This article provides an overview of common sexual issues in this population, reviews the integral role that oncology nursing assessment and intervention can play in optimizing patients' sexual well-being and quality of life, and describes specific strategies for incorporating the sexual health needs of YA cancer survivors into the nursing plan of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloe Esch
- Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin
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Yoshida K, Matsui Y. The Impact of Cancer on Romantic Relationships and Marriage Postdiagnosis Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors in Japan: A Qualitative Study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 11:146-155. [PMID: 34143655 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study explored the impact of cancer on romantic relationships and marriage postdiagnosis among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who had been diagnosed with cancer in Japan. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 24 AYA cancer survivors, regardless of cancer type, who were unmarried and aged 15-39 at the time of cancer diagnosis. For theme and category generation, the authors coded the interview transcripts independently through inductive thematic analysis. Results: The analysis yielded 11 themes. The most common impact on romantic partnership was "fertility and parenthood concerns" (45.8%), followed by "disclosure of cancer history" (37.5%), and finally by "recurrence, metastasis, and poor health" (25.0%). Conclusions: Although the impacts of cancer that were identified in this study were mostly consistent with earlier findings, certain impacts seem to stem from traditional family perceptions in East Asia. Because men are traditionally seen as the family successors, unlike women, they are primarily concerned about fertility and parenthood. This causes a parental influence on romantic and marital choices. The fact that there exists a parental influence in partner selection from the parents of both men and women indicates that cultural factors in East Asia/Japan influence romantic and/or marriage postdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Yoshida
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Matsui
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tokyo, Japan
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Thompson M, Rabusch S, Radomski MV, Marquardt V, Kath K, Kreiger R, Squires K. Grace Notes: feasibility of a manualized intervention to advance spiritual well-being for clients with acquired brain injury. J Health Care Chaplain 2021; 28:497-509. [PMID: 34024265 DOI: 10.1080/08854726.2021.1929764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Spiritual well-being appears to contribute to mental health and adaptation in adults with acquired brain injury (ABI). ABI-related interventions, including those associated with spirituality, must be specifically designed with learning-related impairments in mind. We conducted a feasibility study of a manualized intervention to support spiritual well-being after ABI called Grace Notes. The goal is to provide clients with time tested, easily accessible spiritual practices that help them experience deeper feelings of being in relationship with their Higher Power as they understand it. Findings suggest that Grace Notes can be implemented by both its developer with the context of an interdisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation program and a rehabilitation clinician as a stand-alone group. People with ABI appear to be interested in a spiritually intervention that draws from a variety of spiritual practices and traditions. Further study related to the efficacy of spiritual well-being intervention after ABI is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Thompson
- Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Stacey Rabusch
- Courage Kenny Research Center, Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Valerie Marquardt
- Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kristina Kath
- Courage Kenny Research Center, Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Robert Kreiger
- Courage Kenny Research Center, Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kelsey Squires
- Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Meentken MG, van der Ende J, del Canho R, van Beynum IM, Aendekerk EWC, Legerstee JS, Lindauer RJL, Hillegers MHJ, Helbing WA, Moll HA, Utens EMWJ. Psychological outcomes after pediatric hospitalization: the role of trauma type. CHILDRENS HEALTH CARE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/02739615.2021.1890077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maya G Meentken
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van der Ende
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Riwka del Canho
- Department of Pediatrics, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid M. van Beynum
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Erasmus MC – Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth W. C. Aendekerk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen S. Legerstee
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ramón J. L. Lindauer
- de Bascule, Academic Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manon H. J. Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem A. Helbing
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Erasmus MC – Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Radboud UMC – Amalia Children’s Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Henriette A. Moll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, Erasmus MC – Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M. W. J. Utens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- de Bascule, Academic Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Lane B, Fowler K, Eaton G, Chalifour K, Garland SN. Prevalence and factors associated with high levels of distress in young adult cancer survivors compared to matched peers. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:2653-2662. [PMID: 32970230 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05785-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Young adulthood can be a difficult period of development and disruption of age-related milestones can impact psychological well-being. This study examined whether psychological distress differs in young adult (YA) cancer survivors compared to their non-cancer peers and identified factors related to high distress in YA cancer survivors. METHODS Canadian YAs (n = 448) diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39 were compared with age-, sex-, and education-matched controls (n = 448) randomly sampled from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health. The primary measure was the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Groups were compared using independent-samples t tests and chi-square tests of independence. Logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with high (moderate/severe) distress for YA cancer survivors. RESULTS YA cancer survivors reported significantly higher distress than their matched peers (24.89 vs. 15.75; p < .0005). In the multivariate model, greater years of education were associated with a decreased likelihood of high distress (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.84, p = .001). Compared with those working, those in school (AOR = 6.81, p = .003) or not in school/working (AOR = 4.13, p < .0005) reported higher distress. Psychological factors associated with high distress in YA cancer survivors included body image dissatisfaction (AOR = 1.09, p < .0005), poor social support (AOR = 5.19, p = .011), and elevated fears of cancer recurrence (maladaptive: AOR = 6.39, p = .001; clinical: AOR = 12.31, p < .0005). CONCLUSIONS YA cancer survivors experience significantly greater distress than their non-cancer peers. This distress is associated with modifiable factors such as body image dissatisfaction, social support, and fear of cancer recurrence, illustrating key areas for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna Lane
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Ken Fowler
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Geoff Eaton
- Young Adult Cancer Canada, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | | | - Sheila N Garland
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada. .,Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada.
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