The purpose of the present study was to investigate the meaning of advanced breast cancer patients' quality of life (QoL). A semi-structured interview was used, and the phenomenological research method chosen to analyse the data. The findings show that limitations in physical functioning translate into dependency on others, leading to decreased autonomy. Patients tended to ensure their autonomy by participating in easier activities or changing their internal standards. Changes in appearance and decreased condition affected patients' ability to carry out roles and responsibilities, which led to changes in lifestyle and also affected patients' social functioning, often resulting in isolation. The meaning of being able to sustain reciprocal relationships was emphasized. Patients maintained control of to what extent their illness was recognized in social relationships, which was crucial to their feelings of autonomy. Close families were a main source of social support, but also a major source of concern. Meaning of emotional functioning was often expressed in terms of the ability to enjoy life day-by-day and of commitment to treatment. Patients' cognitive functioning was largely intact while their difficulties in cognitive functioning were more characteristic of anxiety. Global QoL was often expressed in terms of a normal life. In addition there were 3 meta themes which emerged from the data: the patients' ability to control the illness experience, personal growth and hope.

The QoL of the patients shortly after adjuvant treatments was impaired and the physical performance poor as compared to general population. In particular, depression and fatigue were related to impaired QoL. Physical performance and activity level were the only factors that correlated positively to QoL. Thus, physical exercise could be useful in rehabilitation of cancer survivors, especially for depressed and fatigued patients.

No abstract

This article aims to map existing prevalence research on abuse and neglect of older people and to provide a critical overview of existing methodologies, which have been adopted to survey the prevalence rates of abuse against elders. This article is part of the prevalence study of Abuse and Violence against Older Women (AVOW) study, which was conducted in five European countries (Austria, Belgium, Finland, Lithuania, and Portugal). The article provides an overview of the state of the art of prevalence data, survey designs and methods, instruments and results in Europe. Therefore, this draws on an extensive literature search and qualitative content analysis, which was conducted as an early part of the AVOW study. Results indicate that some EU countries have a rich history of prevalence research, whereas other countries have just begun to tackle this aspect of research on of elder abuse. One of the lacunae concerns reliable numbers on the prevalence rates of elder abuse. Research about where, when and how often elder abuse occurs, is inadequate and inconsistent. Data in some cases are based on professionals' reports rather than on information from older people themselves. Surveying elders about such a sensitive topic, however, implies the need for an adequate research instrument (questionnaire) and research design, and an adapted data collection method. In conclusion, substantial attention is paid to outlining possible guidelines for future research.

IntroductionWHO and the International Network of the Prevention of Elder Abuse have recognised the abuse of older people as a significant global problem. Notwithstanding this recognition, generally the issue of elder abuse does not emerge as a major theme in research nor in the work of policymakers.MethodThis research is part of the “prevalence study of Abuse and Violence against Older Women” (AVOW) which is funded by the EU's Daphne III programme. The AVOW-study aims to provide knowledge about the prevalence of abuse and violence against older women in five European countries (Austria, Belgium, Finland, Lithuania and Portugal). The first phase of the research consisted of providing an overview about the state of the art of prevalence research on elder abuse, survey designs and methods, instruments and results in all European countries. Therefore, an extensive literature search and qualitative content analysis was conducted.Results and ConclusionSome EU-countries have a rich history of prevalence research, whereas other countries have just begun to tackle the issue. One of the lacunae concerns reliable data on the prevalence of elder abuse. Research about where, when and how often elder abuse occurs, is largely inadequate and inconsistent. Surveying elders on such a sensitive topic, however, implies a modified questionnaire and an adapted data collection method. Conclusively, substantive attention is paid to develop possible guidelines for future research.

No abstract

No abstract

Purpose -This article aims to explore the perpetrators of abuse among older women living in the community. The study examines whether differences between the perpetrators of different forms of abuse, and for different groups of older women (e.g. by income or age groups) can be detected. Finally, it aims to investigate whether older women talk about the abuse to family or friends, or report it to an official or formal agency, in relation to different perpetrators.Design/methodology/approach -This article provides results from the prevalence study of Abuse and Violence against Older Women in Europe (AVOW-study). The study involved scientific partners from five EU countries: Finland, Austria, Belgium, Lithuania, and Portugal. In these five countries, the same study was conducted during 2010. In total, 2,880 older women living in the community were interviewed during the course of the study.Findings -The results indicate that 28.1per cent of older women across all countries have experienced some kind of violence and abuse, in the last 12 months, by someone who is close to them. The results offer specific figures for the prevalence of different types of abuse, i.e. physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse; violation of personal rights; and neglect. Furthermore, additional insights about the main perpetrators of abuse for different groups of older women are offered.Research limitations/implications -The article does not address the differences between the five countries. Further research could examine the between-country variations and identify possible country-specific explanations.Practical implications -The implications of these findings for the development of policy and practice are highlighted. Applying only a crime-focused approach on this topic is not sufficient. Health and social welfare sectors play a key role in ensuring dignity in, and quality of, formal and informal care and need to be supported to do so. Originality/value -The paper presents the findings of an extensive multi-national survey on abuse of older women in five European countries.