Background Sexual dysfunction is common in patients diagnosed with cancer or chronic disease, having psychological, emotional and social ramifications. The consequences are ultimately significant impaired quality of life and reduced mental well‐being, and it therefore requires professional attention. However, evidence suggests that sexuality is a taboo subject in the healthcare system, as healthcare professionals and patients rarely initiate conversations on this subject. Aim Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand how patients diagnosed with cancer or chronic disease experiencing sexual dysfunction experience sexuality as a taboo subject in the healthcare system. Methods Ten women diagnosed with cancer or chronic disease experiencing sexual dysfunction were recruited from the Sexological Centre in Aalborg, Denmark. Using an interview guide, semi‐structured interviews were conducted and a qualitative thematic analysis was performed. Results The analysis revealed that sexuality is a sensitive and taboo subject in the Danish healthcare system. Some patients initiated conversations about their sexuality, but felt rejected by healthcare professionals, who dismissed these initiatives, whereas other patients were reluctant to discuss sexuality, but did not experience healthcare professionals bringing up sexuality either. Despite these differences between patients’ experiences, sexuality constituted a taboo subject, as patients or healthcare professionals deliberately avoided discussing the patients’ sexuality‐related issues. Conclusions Communication about sexuality is essential for improving patients’ well‐being, and healthcare professionals should routinely address sexuality and sexual intimacy with patients diagnosed with cancer or chronic disease in order to break the taboo and accommodate patients’ needs.
Objective: Total knee replacement (TKR) is generally considered effective as treatment of pain and functional limitations in end-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, many patients delay surgery for months or are unwilling to undergo TKR despite pain and functional limitations. Hence, a qualitatively assessment of what actually affects the patient's decision to undergo TKR would be important. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the motives of patients with knee OA choosing to undergo TKR and to explore the factors considered important during their decision-making process.Methods: Eleven patients undergoing TKR were recruited from the outpatient orthopedic department. Using an interview guide, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted at participants' home. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and a thematic analysis was performed.Results: The analysis revealed that the interaction between doctor and patient emerged as a factor highly influential on patients' decision-making process with patients choosing the treatment option suggested by the doctor. Using x-rays, revealing no cartilage between the bones, as a reason for choosing to undergo TKR was a legitimate argument among patients. The prospect of avoiding taking high doses of pain-relieving medication and hearing positive experiences of others who had undergone TKR motivated patients to undergo TKR. However, negative experiences of others were neglected. Conclusions:Patients' decision-making process was influenced by several factors, with some factors being more influential than others. Knowledge of which factors patients consider important in relation to their decision to undergo TKR can facilitate and support shared decision-making regarding TKR. KEYWORDS decision-making process, experiences, knee osteoarthritis, patient-doctor interaction, qualitative research, total knee replacement
In Australia and Denmark, women aged 50–70 years are more likely than younger women to consume alcohol at levels that exceed national low risk drinking guidelines. To explore and possibly help explain this sociocultural shift in patterns of alcohol use, this research investigated the social construction of alcohol use amongst 49 women (25 in Northern Denmark, 24 in Western Australia) aged 50–69 years. The women viewed drinking as normal and acceptable. While some women reported reducing their drinking due to health concerns, others neutralised alcohol‐related health risks through compensatory behaviours including exercise. Such constructions arguably serve to sustain at‐risk drinking amongst some women. Our research highlights that interventions to minimise alcohol‐related health risks amongst middle‐aged and young‐old women should acknowledge that women's social construction of their drinking practices may prioritise subjective experiences of “being in control” while drinking, over biomedical understandings of the health impacts of alcohol.
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