1
|
Davidson CA, Booth R, Jackson KT, Mantler T. Toxic Relationships Described by People With Breast Cancer on Reddit: Topic Modeling Study. JMIR Cancer 2024; 10:e48860. [PMID: 38393769 PMCID: PMC10924256 DOI: 10.2196/48860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social support is essential to promoting optimal health outcomes for women with breast cancer. However, an estimated 12% of women with breast cancer simultaneously experience intimate partner violence (IPV; physical, psychological, or sexual abuse by an intimate partner). Women who experience IPV during breast cancer may lack traditional social support, and thus seek out alternative sources of support. Online community forums, such as Reddit, can provide accessible social connections within breast cancer-specific communities. However, it is largely unknown how women with breast cancer use Reddit to describe and seek support for experiences of IPV. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore how patients with breast cancer describe toxic relationships with their partners and immediate family members on Reddit. METHODS This exploratory, cross-sectional, topic-modeling study analyzed textual data from 96 users in the r/breastcancer subreddit in February 2023. The meaning extraction method, inclusive of principal component analysis, was used to identify underlying components. Components were subjected to sentiment analysis and summative content analysis with emergent categorical development to articulate themes. RESULTS Seven themes emerged related to toxic relationships: (1) contextualizing storytelling with lymph nodes, (2) toxic behavior and venting emotions, (3) abandonment and abuse following diagnosis, (4) toxic relationships and social-related fears, (5) inner strength and navigating breast cancer over time, (6) assessing social relationships and interactions, and (7) community advice and support. Toxic relationships were commonly characterized by isolation, abandonment, and emotional abuse, which had profound emotional consequences for patients. Reddit facilitated anonymous venting about toxic relationships that helped patients cope with intense feelings and stress. Exchanging advice and support about navigating toxic relationships during breast cancer were core functions of the r/breastcancer community. CONCLUSIONS Findings emphasized the value of Reddit as a source of social support for patients with breast cancer experiencing toxic relationships. Clinicians who understand that many patients with breast cancer experience toxic relationships and considerable psychological sequelae are better prepared to support their patients' holistic well-being. Further investigation of Reddit as a possible resource for advice, information, and support has the potential to help inform clinical practice and subsequently, patient health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cara Anne Davidson
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Richard Booth
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kimberley Teresa Jackson
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Mantler
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sheikhnezhad L, Hassankhani H, Sawin EM, Sanaat Z, Sahebihagh MH. Intimate partner violence in women with breast and gynaecologic cancers: A systematic review. J Adv Nurs 2022; 79:1211-1224. [PMID: 35799466 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM The current study aimed to systematically review the data obtained from studies on women with breast and gynaecologic cancers subjected to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). DESIGN Systematic review without meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science; databases were searched without time limit. REVIEW METHOD The PRISMA model was guided the systematic literature search using Boolean keywords and operators. PICO statement was used to develop a question of this review. Studies examining women with breast and gynaecologic cancers subjected to IPV were included in the study after the quality of the articles was reviewed. RESULTS Eight studies that met the inclusion criteria and were conducted between 2000 and 2021 were included in the study. CONCLUSIONS Studies confirm the effect of IPV on the severity and consequences of breast and gynaecologic cancers. Having a history of IPV can indirectly lead to breast and gynaecologic cancers. On the other hand, women suffering from IPV are more likely than other women to delay screening or not perform screening for cancer. IMPACT The dimensions and nature of violence and the disclosure or non-disclosure of violence in vulnerable women are strongly affected by society's culture. Therefore, researchers need to have sufficient knowledge of the culture and social factors governing the community to achieve reliable findings related to IPV in qualitative, quantitative, and psychometric studies and the design of IPV assessment tools. It is recommended that IPV screening teams, that is, multidisciplinary teams of trained physicians, nurses and social workers, participate in two-way screening programmes: IPV screening for women with gynaecological cancer and screening for gynaecological cancer in women with IPV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Sheikhnezhad
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Hassankhani
- Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Medical Surgical Nursing Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Zohre Sanaat
- Hematology and Oncology research center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hasan Sahebihagh
- Health Services Management Research Center, Community Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dheensa S, Foreman M, Hepworth E, Douglas N, Wilson E, Howell R. Enhancing the cancer workforce response to domestic violence and abuse: the time is now. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2022; 31:S4-S5. [PMID: 35271365 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2022.31.5.s4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandi Dheensa
- Research Fellow, Domestic Violence and Abuse Health Research Group, Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol
| | | | - Eleanor Hepworth
- Project Coordinator, Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (Macmillan-funded role)
| | - Nicola Douglas
- Senior Health Manager, Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse
| | - Evie Wilson
- Relationship Fundraising Manager, Macmillan Cancer Support
| | - Rowena Howell
- Macmillan Partnership Manager Macmillan Cancer Support
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fouladi N, Feizi I, Pourfarzi F, Yousefi S, Alimohammadi S, Mehrara E, Rostamnejad M. Factors Affecting Behaviors of Women with Breast Cancer Facing Intimate Partner Violence Based on PRECEDE-PROCEED Model. J Caring Sci 2021; 10:89-95. [PMID: 34222118 PMCID: PMC8242298 DOI: 10.34172/jcs.2021.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: More than half of women in Iran experience intimate partner violence (IPV). This study aimed to explore IPV in women with breast cancer (BC) in Ardabil, Iran. Moreover, the predictors of violence and women’s reactions against violence were examined. Methods: Using a convenient sampling method, the current cross-sectional study was performed on 211 women with BC in northwest of Iran. To collect data, a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics and items based on PRECEDE-PROCEED model and women's reaction to violence was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS Ver. 20 and descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In this study, 190 (90%) subjects reported that they had experienced IPV in the preceding year. Only 27(12.8%) women were familiar with all forms of violence. Moreover, 141 (66.8%) and 160 (75.8%) women had no access to counseling centers and life skill training courses, respectively. Women mostly had adopted emotion-oriented coping strategies when facing IPV. The results of multivariate regression analysis indicated that enabling factors and knowledge were predictors of problem-oriented coping strategies in women. Conclusion: Empowered women, for the most part, were better educated and had more access to social resources than others. Therefore, empowering women can help reduce the amount of violence they might have to encounter. It is essential that supporting and empowering centers for women be established in the society and efficient laws be enacted to fight IPV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Fouladi
- Departement of Community Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardebil, Iran
| | - Iraj Feizi
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ardebil University of Medical Sciences, Ardebil, Iran
| | - Farhad Pourfarzi
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardebil, Iran
| | - Sajjad Yousefi
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardebil, Iran
| | - Sara Alimohammadi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Mehrara
- Department of English Language, Faculty of Persian and Foreign Language, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Rostamnejad
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardebil University of Medical Sciences, Ardebil, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dionigi F, Martinelli V, Trotti E, Ferrari A, Garcia-Etienne CA, Valle AD, Grasso D, Ferraris E, Rizzo G, Praticò V, Sgarella A. "My Husband Affects Me More Than My Cancer": Reflections on Simultaneous Intimate Partner Violence and Breast Cancer Experience in a 48-Year-Old Woman. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2020; 35:1041-1045. [PMID: 31786799 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-019-01661-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we present the case of a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with early breast cancer. As candidate for mastectomy, she refused immediate reconstruction. She was referred to a psycho-oncologist for further evaluation and support. Psychological sessions helped reveal a history of intimate partner violence and helped clarify the reason for her refusal to undergo immediate reconstruction. Experience with this case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary practice in which collaboration between surgeons, oncologists, and mental health professionals leads to a more in-depth understanding of the apparently paradoxical behaviors of patients, and to better care for their needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Dionigi
- Dottorato di Ricerca in Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico "San Matteo", Unità Operativa Complessa di Chirurgia Generale III a indirizzo Senologico e dei tessuti molli, viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Valentina Martinelli
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico "San Matteo", Unità Operativa Complessa di Chirurgia Generale II, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eugenia Trotti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, via Ottorino Rossi 9, 21010, Varese, Italy
| | - Alberta Ferrari
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico "San Matteo", Unità Operativa Complessa di Chirurgia Generale III a indirizzo Senologico e dei tessuti molli, viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlos Alberto Garcia-Etienne
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico "San Matteo", Unità Operativa Complessa di Chirurgia Generale III a indirizzo Senologico e dei tessuti molli, viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelica Della Valle
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico "San Matteo", Unità Operativa Complessa di Chirurgia Generale III a indirizzo Senologico e dei tessuti molli, viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Donatella Grasso
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico "San Matteo", Unità Operativa Complessa di Oncologia Medica, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferraris
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico "San Matteo", Unità Operativa Complessa di Oncologia Medica, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Rizzo
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico "San Matteo", Unità Operativa Complessa di Oncologia Medica, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vincenza Praticò
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico "San Matteo", Unità Operativa Complessa di Chirurgia Generale III a indirizzo Senologico e dei tessuti molli, viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adele Sgarella
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico "San Matteo", Unità Operativa Complessa di Chirurgia Generale III a indirizzo Senologico e dei tessuti molli, viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aygin D, Bozdemir H. Exposure to violence in breast cancer patients: systematic review. Breast Cancer 2018; 26:29-38. [PMID: 30136077 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-018-0900-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RESULTS The nine studies included were reviewed under two titles as descriptive and qualitative. Based on the results of six descriptive studies, it was determined that the majority of these studies focused on violence and abuse in childhood; depression is high among breast cancer patients exposed to violence; healing is unfavorably influenced among breast cancer patients exposed to spouse violence or abuse/violence in childhood; physical, emotional and functional welfare/comforts are restricted and quality of life is low during disease process; there is positive correlation between advanced-stage cancer and history of violence; they hesitate to ask the clinical staff for support. Although breast cancer women underreport the violence they have been exposed to, a study stated that 55% of women are exposed to violence after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Results of the three qualitative study revealed that violence is the field of "taboo" among breast cancer patients and they reconsider the "life", "relationship-origin stress", "social support" and "importance of breast for herself" over the disease process. CONCLUSION In conclusion, it is underlined that giving care becomes difficult, maintenance of treatment fails, and quality of life is decreased in breast cancer patients exposed to violence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Aygin
- Department of Surgical Nursing, Division of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Havva Bozdemir
- Sakarya University Health Sciences Institute, Sakarya, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abuse, cancer and sexual dysfunction in women: A potentially vicious cycle. Gynecol Oncol 2018; 150:166-172. [PMID: 29661496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
More than 30% of women have a history of abuse. Women with cancer may be at substantially increased risk for abuse, but this issue is rarely discussed in the course of oncology care. Women with a history of abuse who present for cancer care commonly have a high prevalence of co-morbid illness. Sexual dysfunction, a highly prevalent but under-recognized condition among women of all ages, is also more common among both women with a history of abuse and women with cancer. Although common after cancer, sexual dysfunction, like abuse, can be stigmatizing and often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This review first examines the literature for evidence of a relationship between any history of abuse and cancer among women, addressing two questions: 1) How does abuse promote or create risk for developing cancer? 2) How does cancer increase a woman's susceptibility to abuse? We then examine evidence for a relationship between abuse and female sexual dysfunction, followed by an investigation of the complex relationship between all three factors: abuse, sexual dysfunction and cancer. The literature is limited by a lack of harmonization of measures across studies, retrospective designs, and small and idiosyncratic samples. Despite these limitations, it is imperative that providers integrate the knowledge of this complex relationship into the care of women with cancer.
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that women diagnosed with cancer can experience intimate partner violence (IPV). This combined experience of cancer and abuse can have a profound effect on health and treatment outcomes for these cancer survivors. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this literature review was to assess the presence of IPV among female cancer survivors and to provide oncology nurses with clinical guidelines about IPV. METHODS A systematic strategy was used to locate original research from 4 databases: CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Key words were used to help identify articles that focused on cancer, abuse, treatment decision making, and clinical guidelines. RESULTS The 10 selected articles that met the inclusion criteria were published between 2005 and 2014. The reviewed studies provided accounts of abusive partner behaviors toward women throughout their cancer trajectory. Global organizations provided the framework for clinical guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Challenges faced by women who are concurrently living with IPV and cancer survivorship can impact treatment decision making and health outcomes. The assessment and recognition of IPV by oncology nurses are essential to help create a clinical environment in which patients feel safe and supported. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This review includes clinical guidelines and describes legal considerations for oncology nurses to consider when they address and respond to IPV in their practice. The use of clinical guidelines that focus on IPV can provide standardized care in the oncology setting that can further help to meet the needs of these women.
Collapse
|
9
|
Speakman E, Paris R, Giojella ME, Hathaway J. "I didn't fight for my life to be treated like this!": The relationship between the experience of cancer and intimate partner abuse. HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK 2015; 40:51-58. [PMID: 25665291 DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlu040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The current article seeks to further understanding of the high frequency of intimate partner abuse among cancer patients through qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews with 20 women and one man facing cancer and intimate partner abuse concurrently. Participants described a range of abusive and unsupportive behaviors by their intimate partners over the course of cancer treatment, which contributed to their reassessing and makinig changes in their relationships. Important factors in this process of change appear to be participants' increased focus on their own health, discovery of greater inner strength, and increased social support. Barriers to making changes in their relationships during their cancer treatment also were described. Participants who made significant changes in or left an abusive relationship usually did so after having recovered from cancer treatment. Implications of these findings for social workers in health care are discussed, as are directions for future research.
Collapse
|
10
|
Culver Wygant CR, Bruera E, Hui D. Intimate partner violence in an outpatient palliative care setting. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 47:806-13. [PMID: 23948161 PMCID: PMC3844013 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although a few studies have evaluated intimate partner violence (IPV) in the oncology setting, to our knowledge no studies exist of IPV among palliative care patients. IPV may be exacerbated at the end of life because patients and their caregivers often experience significant stressors associated with physical, emotional, social, and financial burdens. We discuss IPV in the palliative care setting using the example of a patient with advanced cancer who experienced IPV. A better understanding and awareness of IPV at the end of life could help clinicians support and counsel patients and ameliorate the suffering caused by this “unspoken” trauma. We further discuss 1) the prevalence and indicators of IPV, 2) how to initiate conversations about IPV, 3) the resources available to clinicians, and 4) various management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cesario SK, McFarlane J, Nava A, Gilroy H, Maddoux J. Linking Cancer and Intimate Partner Violence. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2014; 18:65-73. [DOI: 10.1188/14.cjon.65-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
12
|
"The Body Gives Way, Things Happen": older women describe breast cancer with a non-supportive intimate partner. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2011; 16:64-70. [PMID: 21486709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2011.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Revised: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many women identify their intimate partner as important source of support during cancer diagnosis and recovery, but little is known about how women deal with breast cancer while in a relationship self-described as difficult. The purpose of this article is to describe the aging-related experiences of older women who were diagnosed with breast cancer while in a non-supportive, difficult intimate relationship. METHOD Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 16 women aged 55-84 years (mean 68.1 years) in community settings in the mid-Atlantic United States. Data were analyzed using hermeneutic phenomenological analysis. RESULTS Participants self-identified as being in a difficult intimate relationship (relationship length range: 1 year- 60 years, mean 35.6 years). Reasons for relationship difficulty ranged from intimate partner abuse to terminal illness. The findings included the themes: "At my Age": participants reflect on aging and breast cancer; breast cancer, sexuality, and aging; and silence. CONCLUSIONS Issues related to aging such as changes in sexual relationships, comorbidities, and partner illness complicated the women's breast cancer experience. Despite relationship difficulties, these women coped effectively with breast cancer in various ways. Study findings will increase awareness about the unique, complex needs of older women facing breast cancer with non-supportive intimate partners. Nurses should assess older breast cancer patients keeping in mind physical functioning, comorbidities, social support network, and quality of intimate partner support.
Collapse
|
13
|
Sawin EM, Parker B. “If Looks Would Kill Then I Would Be Dead”: Intimate Partner Abuse and Breast Cancer in Older Women. J Gerontol Nurs 2011. [DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20110601-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
14
|
Sawin EM, Parker B. "If looks would kill then I would be dead": intimate partner abuse and breast cancer in older women. J Gerontol Nurs 2011; 37:26-35; quiz 36-7. [PMID: 21446640 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20110307-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 11/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe the experiences of older women diagnosed with breast cancer while experiencing intimate partner abuse (IPA), determined by scores on the Women's Experience With Battering (WEB) Scale. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 11 women ages 51 to 84 (mean age = 64.8). Data were analyzed using hermeneutic phenomenological analysis. Themes that emerged were Cancer and Control, Negative Relationship Changes, Changes in Intimacy, and Moving On. Older women simultaneously experiencing IPA and breast cancer have unique needs due to the complex interplay among three factors: age, IPA, and breast cancer. Gerontological nurses should be aware of issues surrounding older women with breast cancer and older women experiencing IPA. Assessment of older breast cancer patients should take into consideration patients' social support network and quality of intimate partner support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Metzler Sawin
- James Madison University, Department of Nursing, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|