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Li JL, Ye Q, Liu N. Cancer parents' experiences of parenting concerns about minor children: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2024; 6:100210. [PMID: 38872959 PMCID: PMC11169080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100210] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Some cancer patients not only endure physical and mental distress due to the disease and treatment but also shoulder the responsibility of raising their children. This situation significantly impacts the patients' quality of life. While there is a growing body of qualitative research focusing on parenting concerns among cancer patients, there remains a lack of comprehensive qualitative evidence. Objective This study aims to conduct a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research evidence, investigating the experiences of cancer patients in raising minor children. Design Systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies. Settings Through a screening process employing inclusion/exclusion criteria, qualitative studies specifically addressing cancer patients raising minor children were identified. Participants Participants: A total of 669 participants from 40 studies were included in the review. Methods Four English (Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library) and three Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang and Sinomed) databases were searched for qualitative studies of the real-life experiences of raising children in cancer patients from the establishment of the library to January 2024. The methodological quality of the included literature was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CSAP). Qualitative data were extracted, summarized, and meta-synthesized. Results A total of 26 studies were included in this meta-synthesis, encompassing 11 different countries. 160 themes were extracted from these included literatures, which were combined into ten categories, ultimately forming four themes: the impact of parents' disease on their children, the challenges of parenting, coping strategies, and multifaceted parenting needs. Based on the Confidence in the Output of Qualitative research synthesis (ConQual) approach, the confidence level of the synthesized findings ranged from moderate to low. Conclusions Cancer patients experience significant psychological stress while raising children, which can lead to a reduction in their quality of life and influence treatment decisions. These findings elucidate the parenting concerns experienced by cancer patients, allowing medical staff to understand their emotions and treatment preferences. Additionally, healthcare professionals should pay attention to the special needs of this group and develop targeted interventions to support and reduce patients' psychological stress and burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ling Li
- Department of Nursing, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Qin Ye
- Department of Nursing, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Basic Teaching and Research in General Medicine, Department of Fundamentals, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Guangdong, China
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Søby AKH, Moos CM, Andersen AH, Ravn SL, Andersen CM, Roessler KK. Adolescents' needs for information and psychosocial support during their mother's breast cancer trajectory: A systematic review. Psychooncology 2023; 32:1163-1172. [PMID: 37271880 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women. The acute crisis and uncertainty that often follow diagnosis put the family at risk of exhaustion and dysfunction. Adolescents have been identified as a particularly vulnerable group of relatives. To investigate how to prevent distress in this group, we systematically reviewed research on adolescents' (11-21 years) needs for information and psycho-social support during their mothers' breast cancer trajectory. METHOD Systematic searches were conducted in five bibliometric databases. Peer-reviewed, original research of adolescents aged 11-21 with a mother diagnosed with breast cancer was included. Two researchers conducted screening, quality assessment, and data extraction independently. Thematic synthesis was applied to the included studies. RESULTS A total of 8066 studies were screened, and five quantitative and six qualitative studies were included. The results indicated that adolescents' information and psycho-social support needs were poorly met. Many were reluctant to share feelings with family and peers and experienced abandonment during the crisis. Adolescents who were not well informed experienced distress. Poor family functioning increased the level of adolescents' distress. CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations regarding heterogeneity among the studies, eligibility criteria, and quality assessment, this review provides clear clinical implications. Encounter groups may support adolescents during their mother's breast cancer trajectory. Furthermore, healthcare professionals could provide more indirect support to adolescents by providing support and clearer guidelines to parents. Finally, adolescents from poor-functioning families need extra attention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline M Moos
- Department of Clinical Research, Hospital Sønderjylland, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | | | - Sophie Lykkegaard Ravn
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Specialized Hospital for Polio and Accident Victims, Rødovre, Denmark
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Fujimoto K, Kanda K. Experiences of Adolescent Daughters in Beginning to Live With Their Mothers' Cancer: A Qualitative Study. Clin Nurs Res 2023; 32:830-839. [PMID: 36688328 PMCID: PMC10126440 DOI: 10.1177/10547738221150425] [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: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This study reveals the experiences of adolescent daughters who are beginning to live with their mothers' cancer diagnosis. Participants were 14 adolescent daughters who were either junior or senior high school students when their mothers were diagnosed with breast cancer. We analyzed semi-structured interviews using content analysis. Using interview data, four categories were created from 23 subcategories and 183 codes: (1) using trial and error to attempt to steady their minds against upset and anxiety; (2) minimizing the effect on their own school life and future; (3) moving forward with the help and support of those around them; and (4) advancing together with their family to protect and take care of their mother. As supporters, we must understand adolescent daughters' experiences in living with their mothers' cancer. Open communication with an important outside individual is essential in promoting adolescent daughters' ability to obtain support and live with their mothers' cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kiyoko Kanda
- Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Japan
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Maternal Experiences of Parenting Young Children While Battling Breast Cancer in Taiwan. Cancer Nurs 2021; 44:E193-E200. [PMID: 32209860 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Western mothers with breast cancer find themselves struggling with parenting responsibilities. Because parenting is culturally shaped, literature on ill mothers' experiences of parenting young children from a collectivist culture is limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine Taiwanese mothers' experiences of and cultural practices embedded in parenting young children while in treatment for breast cancer. METHODS Sixteen mothers with at least 1 child younger than 12 years were recruited from a breast cancer organization in Taiwan. Data were collected from November 2016 to June 2017 via a semistructured individual interview and analyzed using a content analysis technique. RESULTS Five themes, namely, "maternal limited disclosure, complementary with children's tacit knowledge," "the scar is no longer a scar but a symbol for intimate bonding," "issues of maternal absence for young children and school-aged children," "the power of 'We are a family'," and "to live a simple life and to live for one's self," elucidate how cultural beliefs and practices shape maternal parenting experiences during treatment of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS The findings illustrate how Taiwanese mothers interpret their illness, contextualize illness-related messages in daily life, and maintain family ties while coping with breast cancer. The will to maintain the family's integrity, including the extended family, can empower mothers throughout the trajectory. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Ill mothers may benefit from nurses' guidance on daily routines and cultural practices that they can exploit to frame illness messages for their children. Maternal efforts to change their outlook on life, vocalize their needs, and become more assertive should be acknowledged and supported.
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Mazaheri E, Ghahramanian A, Valizadeh L, Zamanzadeh V, Onyeka TC. Disrupted mothering in Iranian mothers with breast cancer: a hybrid concept analysis. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:234. [PMID: 34090407 PMCID: PMC8178819 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01346-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Defining the disrupted mothering would contribute to developing strategies to support mothers with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze the concept of mothering disruption using a hybrid model. Methods The Hybrid method for concept analysis was implemented consisting of three phases: theoretical, fieldwork, and final analysis. In the theoretical phase, the literature was searched using electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Wiley, Ovid, Magiran, and SID from 2000 to 2020. Any quantitative or qualitative studies published in English or Persian, which were focused on mothering disruption in mothers with breast cancer were included in the study. In the phase of fieldwork, 20 mothers were interviewed to explore the aspects of mothering disruption. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed with conventional content analysis. In the final phase, an overall analysis of the two previous phases was performed. Results In the theoretical phase, the following attributes were determined: “disturbance in maternal identity and roles”, “maternal insensitivity and unresponsiveness: disconnection physically and psychologically”, “the career disruption process” and “biographical disruption”. The fieldwork phase explored three themes including “the unbalance between multiple roles”, “role failure”, and “reduced maternal sensitivity”. The final synthesis yielded that the main integrated elements of mothering disruption are “disease as threating maternal role and identity”, “inability to interpret and respond to child behaviors and needs”, and “support for transitioning from being patient toward maternal competency”. Conclusion With a deeper understanding of the term ‘disrupted mothering’ or ‘mothering disruption’, healthcare providers will have a foundation to improve cancer care, deliver effective communication and help such mothers cross this disruption and achieve restoration of their mothering role. Future research is needed to validate this concept and explore connections with health outcomes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-021-01346-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effat Mazaheri
- Students' Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Akram Ghahramanian
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Jonubi Avenue, PO Box 5138947977, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Leila Valizadeh
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Zamanzadeh
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tonia C Onyeka
- Pain Physician, Palliative Medicine Physician, Department of Anaesthesia/Pain and Palliative Care Unit, Multidisciplinary Oncology Centre, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku-Ozalla Campus, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
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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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Kuswanto CN, Stafford L, Sharp J, Schofield P. Psychological distress, role, and identity changes in mothers following a diagnosis of cancer: A systematic review. Psychooncology 2018; 27:2700-2708. [PMID: 30289196 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review findings of the impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on mothers' psychological well-being, roles, and identity and to explore the psychosocial factors that contribute to mothers' psychological well-being. METHODS Six databases were searched for research articles and theses exploring the association between the impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on mothers' psychological well-being, identity, and role, and the psychosocial factors contributing to mothers' psychological distress regardless of their cancer type and stage. The Mixed-Method Appraisal Bias Tool was used to assess the selected studies' methodological quality. RESULTS A total of 30 qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. Most studies reported that mothers experienced significant psychological distress, changes to or loss of parenting efficacy, maternal identity, and role. Psychosocial factors that contributed to mothers' distress included mothers' young age, presence of metastases, lower parenting efficacy, fear of cancer recurrence, higher illness intrusiveness, and lack of appropriate support. Four main themes emerged from the qualitative studies: psychological impact of cancer on mothers, changes in maternal identity and role, relationship changes and concerns for their children, and meaning-making in cancer experience. CONCLUSIONS Changes in mothers' psychological well-being, role, and identity occurred across cancer diagnoses, treatment, and recovery trajectories. The evidence suggests that mothers may benefit from continued and tailored psychosocial support to cope with these challenges, even after treatment is completed. Further studies with improved methodological quality are needed to explore these issues in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa Nadia Kuswanto
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lesley Stafford
- Centre for Women's Mental Health, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessica Sharp
- Department of Statistics, Data Science and Epidemiology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Penelope Schofield
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cancer Experiences Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Singh K, Warnock C, Ireson J, Strickland S, Short D, Seckl M, Hancock B. Experiences of Women With Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia Treated With
High-Dose Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Transplantation: A Qualitative Study. Oncol Nurs Forum 2017. [DOI: 10.1188/17.onf.375-383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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