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Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, and Recommendations for Care Delivery among Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Chiara Acquati

    (Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
    Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
    Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Katharine J. Head

    (Department of Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

  • Kevin L. Rand

    (School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

  • Jennifer S. Alwine

    (School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

  • Danielle Nicole Short

    (School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

  • Andrea A. Cohee

    (School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
    Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

  • Victoria L. Champion

    (School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
    Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

  • Claire Burke Draucker

    (School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

Abstract

For women diagnosed with breast cancer, partners are consistently identified as the primary support person. Despite growing consensus about the psychosocial experience and unmet needs of cancer caregivers, limited evidence exists about strategies to offer partner-centered care across the cancer continuum. This study describes challenges endured by partners of breast cancer survivors (BCS), strategies implemented to manage these experiences, and recommendations for healthcare providers to inform targeted psychosocial care. Using convenience sampling, 22 partners of female BCS were recruited and completed semi-structured interviews. Conventional content analysis was used to code and synthesize findings. Participants described undergoing five experiences in their role as romantic partners: (a) assuming the role of caregiver, (b) becoming healthcare advocates for BCS, (c) connecting emotionally with the partner, (d) managing their own painful emotions, and (e) connecting with others for support. Experience-specific coping strategies and recommendations were identified. Romantic partners face multiple transitions across the cancer care continuum, which warrant investigation to sustain their well-being and active participation in illness management. Psychosocial interventions for this group will benefit from flexible implementation and attention to care delivery, mental health, and supportive/social needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiara Acquati & Katharine J. Head & Kevin L. Rand & Jennifer S. Alwine & Danielle Nicole Short & Andrea A. Cohee & Victoria L. Champion & Claire Burke Draucker, 2023. "Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, and Recommendations for Care Delivery among Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:2786-:d:1058059
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Pistrang, Nancy & Barker, Chris, 1995. "The partner relationship in psychological response to breast cancer," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 40(6), pages 789-797, March.
    2. Sung S Park & Deborah S Carr, 2021. "Caregivers’ Mental Health and Somatic Symptoms During COVID-19," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 76(4), pages 235-240.
    3. Anna M. Catania & Clarissa Sammut Scerri & Gottfried J. Catania, 2019. "Men’s experience of their partners’ breast cancer diagnosis, breast surgery and oncological treatment," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(9-10), pages 1899-1910, May.
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