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Wedgwood N, Smith L, Hendl T, Shuttleworth R. Boy Interrupted - Biographical disruption during the transition to adulthood. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2020; 42:20-34. [PMID: 31359462 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.12984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Most studies on the gendered aspects of biographical disruption are predicated on adult experiences of chronic illness, often based on heterogeneous samples. This paper goes beyond typologies by analysing the life-history case study of 'Sam', a 23-year-old Australian man raised in a refugee family, who developed a disabling chronic health condition at 15 years of age. The analysis illustrates how critical contextual factors like life-phase, combine with powerful social structures like ethnicity and gender to shape Sam's experiences of, and responses to, biographical disruption. Even before the onset of any symptoms, Sam was railing against the marginal position he occupied in the Australian gender order as a young Asian man. With little guidance on how to adapt his biography to integrate his new differently functioning body, Sam's transition to adulthood stalls, and he becomes in effect, a boy interrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Wedgwood
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louisa Smith
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tereza Hendl
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Russell Shuttleworth
- Faculty of Health, School of Health & Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Keesing S, Rosenwax L, McNamara B. The implications of women's activity limitations and role disruptions during breast cancer survivorship. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 14:1745505718756381. [PMID: 29409399 PMCID: PMC5808959 DOI: 10.1177/1745505718756381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Early survivorship is a time of critical transition for women survivors of breast cancer as they attempt to resume functional activities and important life roles. This study aimed to explore the challenges of women and their partners as they attempted to resume activities and roles, identify unmet needs and make recommendations regarding a suitable framework to support women and partners to recommence valued activities and important roles during early survivorship. Qualitative methods utilising in-depth interviews of women (n = 18) and their partners (n = 8), and two focus groups (n = 10) were completed in Perth, Western Australia, between June 2014 and April 2015. These methods were used to facilitate women and partners' views regarding the resumption of previously meaningful activities and important life roles during early survivorship. Questions addressed their individual and shared experiences concerning self-care, leisure, social and productive activities and important roles. Thematic analysis was employed to determine themes. Women and partners reported significant impact on their ability to engage in valued activities, resulting in changes to participation in meaningful roles. Three themes were determined: (1) ambiguity regarding survivorship prevents resumption of activities and previous roles, (2) breast cancer continues to impact a couples' relationship during survivorship, and (3) support is needed to assist women and partners to resume activities and important roles. This research provides evidence suggesting that the ongoing symptoms of breast cancer treatment continue to impact many women and their partners, as they attempt to resume functional activities and important life roles during early survivorship. Disruption to these valued activities and roles may influence women and their partner's health and well-being during early survivorship and extend beyond this period. Rehabilitation following cessation of treatment could be offered as required to facilitate access to multi-disciplinary services and supports for both individuals and couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Keesing
- 1 School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lorna Rosenwax
- 2 Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Nicolaisen A, Hagedoorn M, Hansen DG, Flyger HL, Christensen R, Rottmann N, Lunn PB, Terp H, Soee K, Johansen C. The effect of an attachment-oriented couple intervention for breast cancer patients and partners in the early treatment phase: A randomised controlled trial. Psychooncology 2018; 27:922-928. [PMID: 29265672 PMCID: PMC5873374 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients and partners both cope individually and as a dyad with challenges related to a breast cancer diagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a psychological attachment-oriented couple intervention for breast cancer patients and partners in the early treatment phase. METHODS A randomised controlled trial including 198 recently diagnosed breast cancer patients and their partners. Couples were randomised to the Hand in Hand (HiH) intervention in addition to usual care or to usual care only. Self-report assessments were conducted for both patients and partners at baseline, postintervention (5 months), and follow-up (10 months), assessing cancer-related distress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and dyadic adjustment. Patients' cancer-related distress was the primary outcome. RESULTS Cancer-related distress decreased over time in both patients and partners, but the intervention did not significantly affect this decrease at postintervention (P = .08) or follow-up (P = .71). A significant positive effect was found on dyadic adjustment at follow-up for both patients (P = .04) and partners (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS There was no significant effect of the HiH intervention cancer-related distress. The results suggest that most couples can cope with cancer-related distress in the context of usual care. However, the positive effect on dyadic adjustment implies that the HiH intervention benefitted both patients and partners. Future studies should investigate how to integrate a couple focus in usual cancer care to improve dyadic coping in the early treatment phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nicolaisen
- National Research Centre for Cancer Rehabilitation, Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark.,Center for Quality, Region of Southern Denmark, Middelfart, Denmark
| | - M Hagedoorn
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - D G Hansen
- National Research Centre for Cancer Rehabilitation, Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - H L Flyger
- Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - R Christensen
- National Research Centre for Cancer Rehabilitation, Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - N Rottmann
- National Research Centre for Cancer Rehabilitation, Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - P B Lunn
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Ringsted Hospital, Ringsted, Denmark
| | - H Terp
- National Research Centre for Cancer Rehabilitation, Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - K Soee
- Centre for Breast Surgery, Department of Plastic Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - C Johansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Survivorship, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Oncology Clinic, Finsen Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Nemati S, Rassouli M, Ilkhani M, Baghestani AR. Perceptions of family caregivers of cancer patients about the challenges of caregiving: a qualitative study. Scand J Caring Sci 2017; 32:309-316. [PMID: 28869659 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The experience of caring for a family member with cancer is associated with several care-related problems and challenges for the caregiver. The comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the trials and tribulations of caregiving can be a step towards resolving the problems faced by family caregivers of these patients. AIM The present study aimed to explore challenges faced by Iranian family caregivers of cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present qualitative study was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews held with 21 family caregivers of cancer patients selected through purposive sampling. Interviews continued until saturation of data. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed through conventional content analysis. FINDING The codes extracted from interviews produced four main themes, including 'confusion', 'uncertainty', 'disintegration' and 'setback', which collectively caused suffering for family caregivers. CONCLUSION Care provided in an atmosphere of suffering and discontent diminishes caregiver's quality of life and quality of patient care. Health planners should therefore consider the challenges and sufferings faced by family caregivers and should seek to obviate them through appropriate plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahnaz Nemati
- Nursing & Midwifery School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Pediatric Nursing Department, Nursing & Midwifery School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Ilkhani
- Lecturer & Director of Continuing Education Center, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Baghestani
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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6
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Christophe V, Duprez C, Congard A, Fournier E, Lesur A, Antoine P, Vanlemmens L. Evaluate the subjective experience of the disease and its treatment in the partners of young women with non-metastatic breast cancer. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2015; 25:734-43. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V. Christophe
- UMR CNRS 9193 Cognitives and Affectives Sciences; Université de Lille; F-59653 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex
- SIRIC ONCOLille - Maison Régionale de la Recherche Clinique; 59037 Lille Cedex France
| | - C. Duprez
- UMR CNRS 9193 Cognitives and Affectives Sciences; Université de Lille; F-59653 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex
- SIRIC ONCOLille - Maison Régionale de la Recherche Clinique; 59037 Lille Cedex France
| | - A. Congard
- Centre de Recherche PsyCLÉ (EA 3273); Aix-Marseille Université; F-13621 Aix en Provence Cedex 1 France
| | - E. Fournier
- UMR CNRS 9193 Cognitives and Affectives Sciences; Université de Lille; F-59653 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex
| | - A. Lesur
- Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine; Centre Alexis Vautrin; 54519 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy France
| | - P. Antoine
- UMR CNRS 9193 Cognitives and Affectives Sciences; Université de Lille; F-59653 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex
| | - L. Vanlemmens
- Département de Sénologie; Centre Oscar Lambret; F-59020 Lille Cedex France
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Halliday LE, Boughton MA, Kerridge I. Liminal reproductive experiences after therapies for hematological malignancy. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2015; 25:408-416. [PMID: 25216861 DOI: 10.1177/1049732314550006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we discuss the psychosocial health of young women related to fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood after therapies for hematological malignancies. We utilized a hermeneutical phenomenological approach to conduct in-depth interviews with 12 women who had previously received treatment for a hematological malignancy and had experienced uncertainty surrounding their ability to start or extend their biological family. Our presented findings are interpretations of the women's own words as they articulated how they inhabited a liminal space. We concluded that although fertility and motherhood possibly might not be immediate concerns when they received a diagnosis of hematological malignancy, young women could subsequently experience ongoing issues and concerns related to reproductive uncertainty and motherhood capabilities, which have the potential to affect emotionally and psychosocially on their lives. These issues might possibly require longer-term support, counseling, and informational resources. We also discuss the strengths, limitations, and implications of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ian Kerridge
- University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Nasiri A, Taleghani F, Irajpour A. Adjustment process in Iranian men to their wives' breast cancer. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2015; 25:307-17. [PMID: 25684401 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Women's breast cancer causes various problems in both spouses' family life as well as enormous stress for their husbands. This grounded theory study aimed to define ways in which men adjust to their wives' breast cancer and to present an appropriate model in this respect. Twenty-six individuals (22 husbands, 2 patients and 2 physicians) were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling. The data were collected through in-depth individual interviews. Strauss and Corbin's method was used for data analysis. Data analysis revealed that Iranian men's adjustment to their wives' breast cancer occurs during the following three stages: the first stage turbulence after confrontation with the disease that contains categories 'internal unrest', 'concerns about disease management' and 'sensing the beginning of disorganization in family life'; the second stage disorganisation of family life that contains 'disturbance of family life', 'attempt to get rid of tension' and 'resistance against family life disorganisation'; and the third stage struggle to reorder family life consisting of 'support to the wife', 'revision in communications with relatives' and 'seeking external support' categories. Iranian men struggled for constant organisation of family life after their wives' disease. Health providers should take measures to support the men by facilitating their adjustment to their wives' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nasiri
- Birjand Health Qualitative Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - F Taleghani
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - A Irajpour
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Gibbons SW, Ross A, Bevans M. Liminality as a conceptual frame for understanding the family caregiving rite of passage: an integrative review. Res Nurs Health 2014; 37:423-36. [PMID: 25176315 PMCID: PMC4180249 DOI: 10.1002/nur.21622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Family caregiving is a significant rite of passage experienced by family caregivers of individuals with protracted illness or injury. In an integrative review of 26 studies, we characterized family caregiving from the sociocultural perspective of liminality and explored associated psychosocial implications. Analysis of published evidence on this dynamic and formative transition produced a range of themes. While role ambiguity resolved for most, for others, uncertainty and suffering continued. The process of becoming a caregiver was transformative and can be viewed as a rebirth that is largely socially and culturally driven. The transition to family caregiving model produced by this review provides a holistic perspective on this phenomenon and draws attention to aspects of the experience previously underappreciated. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne W Gibbons
- Assistant Professor, Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
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Sajjadi M, Rassouli M, Abbaszadeh A, Alavi Majd H, Zendehdel K. Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Scale in patients with cancer. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2013; 18:52-7. [PMID: 24183257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2013.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Uncertainty is a major component in the illness experiences which extraordinarily can affect the psychological adjustment and the illness outcomes. Uncertainty in illness is defined as inability to define the illness-related events to the illness or disability in predicting the illness outcomes. The present study aimed to translate the Persian version of Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS-A) and to investigate its psychometric properties on patients with cancer. METHOD In this methodological study, validation of the Persian version of MUIS-A was performed in Iran on 420 cancer patients attending two major hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The scale was translated into Persian and back translated into English and revised according to editorial comments of the scale designers. Then, content and face validity, construct validity, internal consistency reliability and stability of the Persian version were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and LISREL 8.5. RESULTS Mean of the participants MUIS-A score was 90.1 (16.8). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed validity of the whole instrument and its four subscales. The consistency of the instrument with a three-week interval was r = 0.91. Cronbach's alpha was 0.89 for the whole scale of 32 MUIS-A items and α = 0.58-0.86 for its four factors. CONCLUSIONS The Persian version of the MUIS-A has good psychometric properties. It can be used to assess uncertainty in illness in Iranian patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moosa Sajjadi
- Nursing & Midwifery School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Nursing & Midwifery School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Nursing Department, Nursing & Midwifery School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Vali-e Asr Street, Niyayesh Cross, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Abbaszadeh
- Department of Nursing, Nursing & Midwifery School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Alavi Majd
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Zendehdel
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Lang H, France E, Williams B, Humphris G, Wells M. The psychological experience of living with head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. Psychooncology 2013; 22:2648-63. [PMID: 23840037 DOI: 10.1002/pon.3343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarise patients' experiences of head and neck cancer (HNC) by examining the findings of existing qualitative studies METHODS We undertook a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies in 29 published articles using Noblit and Hare's 'meta-ethnography' approach to synthesise findings. The inclusion criteria were primary qualitative studies, focusing on HNC patients' experience and an English abstract. Seven databases were systematically searched. RESULTS The articles focused on the experience of having HNC, the experience of treatments and the role of information. Our synthesis identified six core concepts-uncertainty and waiting, disruption to daily life, the diminished self, making sense of the experience, sharing the burden and finding a path. People experienced significant disruption to normal daily activities, because of the physical and emotional effects of HNC and its treatment. Day-to-day challenges were compounded by social and existential changes and a palpable loss of the individual's sense of self and future. In order to find a way through the considerable uncertainty and daily challenge of living with and beyond HNC, patients made continual efforts to make sense of their experience. Supportive relationships with their social network, HNC peers and healthcare professionals were particularly important, but support following treatment completion was sometimes limited. Perceptions of the future were affected by whether they saw life as diminished, merely changed or even enhanced by the experience of cancer. CONCLUSIONS This review supports further specific research into these emerging themes and provides a context for future work, informing interventions to improve patients' experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Lang
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee, Dundee City, UK
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Stenberg U, Ruland CM, Olsson M, Ekstedt M. To live close to a person with cancer--experiences of family caregivers. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2012; 51:909-926. [PMID: 23151286 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2012.714847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to obtain a deeper understanding of the experiences of Family Caregivers (FC) living close to a patient with cancer. This article reports on the findings from individual interviews with 15 FCs of patients with cancer. The interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative hermeneutic analysis. This study revealed that living close to a cancer patient over the course of his or her illness affected many aspects of FCs lives in significant ways. Their experiences can be summarized with two major themes: (1) living in an ever changing life world and (2) balancing between conflicting interests and dilemmas. This study contributed to deeper insights into FC's experiences than previously reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Stenberg
- Center for Shared Decision Making and Collaborative Care Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Ambrósio DCM, Santos MAD. Vivências de familiares de mulheres com câncer de mama: uma compreensão fenomenológica. PSICOLOGIA: TEORIA E PESQUISA 2011. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-37722011000400011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Este estudo teve por objetivo compreender a vivência de familiares de mulheres acometidas pelo câncer de mama em relação à possibilidade de morte, considerando-se o estigma de doença fatal que envolve a doença. Participaram sete filhos, quatro maridos, uma nora e um entrevistado na dupla condição de genro e marido. Foram realizadas entrevistas individuais, ancoradas no referencial fenomenológico, seguindo a questão norteadora: "Como foi, para você, ter um familiar com câncer de mama?". Os resultados demonstraram que a consciência da mortalidade da ente querida se aguça para os familiares, que se percebem como seres-para-a-morte e sentem a necessidade de serem-com-um-profissional-especializado, o que sugere a importância de estender os cuidados à unidade familiar.
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Zwahlen D, Hagenbuch N, Jenewein J, Carley MI, Buchi S. Adopting a family approach to theory and practice: measuring distress in cancer patient-partner dyads with the distress thermometer. Psychooncology 2010; 20:394-403. [PMID: 20878839 DOI: 10.1002/pon.1744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2009] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Significant others are central to patients' experience and management of their cancer illness. Building on our validation of the Distress Thermometer (DT) for family members, this investigation examines individual and collective distress in a sample of cancer patients and their matched partners, accounting for the aspects of gender and role. METHOD Questionnaires including the DT were completed by a heterogeneous sample of 224 couples taking part in a multisite study. RESULTS Our investigation showed that male patients (34.2%), female patients (31.9%), and male partners (29.1%) exhibited very similar levels of distress, while female partners (50.5%) exhibited much higher levels of distress according to the DT. At the dyad level just over half the total sample contained at least one individual reporting significant levels of distress. Among dyads with at least one distressed person, the proportion of dyads where both individuals reported distress was greatest (23.6%). Gender and role analyses revealed that males and females were not equally distributed among the four categories of dyads (i.e. dyads with no distress; dyads where solely the patient or dyads where solely the partner is distressed; dyads where both are distressed). CONCLUSION A remarkable number of dyads reported distress in one or both partners. Diverse patterns of distress within dyads suggest varying risks of psychosocial strain. Screening patients' partners in addition to patients themselves may enable earlier identification of risk settings. The support offered to either member of such dyads should account for their role- and gender-specific needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Zwahlen
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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