Elucidating emotional closeness within the Theory of Health-Related Family Quality of Life: evidence from breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Objectives Due to the increasing survivorship of breast cancer, survivor’s view of their families through the process of diagnosis and treatment is essential. The Theory of Health-related Family Quality of Life (HRFQoL) guided this exploration of the ways in which breast cancer impacts family life. In this study, HRFQoL was used to explore breast cancer survivors’ perceptions of the theory’s sub-concepts of psychological and/or affectional closeness, family communication, and social support. The guiding research question was: In what ways do breast cancer survivors describe their experiences regarding changes in emotional closeness among family members following their breast cancer diagnosis? Participants (N = 22) were interviewed to discuss their experiences with breast cancer, family quality of life, decision-making, basic health information, and personal coping. Data were analyzed using NVivo 9 to conduct thematic analysis and consensual qualitative data analysis. Results Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer improved the majority of participants’ HRFQoL. Participants who reported positive perceptions prior to diagnosis also reported positive perceptions after diagnosis. These findings elucidate the HRFQoL theory and contribute to understanding how breast cancer impacts family life. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-019-4354-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Studies

“…However, others spoke negatively about the psychological closeness. 18 Anxiety and depression were reported in 20-30% of the patients. 13,15 In addition, one of the most common feelings that were mentioned in all studies was fear.…”

“…In the study of Lorenz et al, patients noticed as Latino immigrants they faced lingual barriers to contact their healthcare providers, which caused some serious problems such as changes in the treatment process. 15 In the study by Radina et al 18 most of the patients talked positively about the effect of healthcare support, but they also mentioned that when doctors include their families counseling was more helpful.…”

“…Detailed screening of titles and abstracts for potential eligibility was performed, 1357 were duplicated, and the irrelevant papers were removed. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, the full texts of 27 articles were reviewed and 19 articles were subsequently excluded and finally, 9 full papers [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] were retrieved for detailed examination. In further assessment, one article 12 was omitted because it was evaluated in the last systematic review by Devi et al 9 (Figure 1).…”

“…12 Family’s physical presences were also very important and helping patients with their daily chores and assisting them to cope easier with cancer. 18 It was important of having their children around. 17 Most patients reported that they received satisfying support and a positive role from their husbands, which was accompanying in appointments and helping them out with housework.…”

“…Most women were worried about what would happen to their children if they die. 15,18 The social life of these patients was endangered. Social stigmata force them to identify themselves as "cancer patients" and society starts reacting inappropriately.…”