Department of Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
J Clin Nurs. 2019 Mar;28(5-6):987-996. doi: 10.1111/jocn.14688. Epub 2018 Oct 26.
This study aimed to develop knowledge on the experiences of male partners of women with cervical cancer during and after the illness. We explore men's experiences of becoming caregivers as well as how the illness trajectory affects or has affected the relationship.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis has a significant impact on the lives of both the cancer patient and their family members. However, studies of male partners' experiences with cancer patients are scarce. Additionally, cervical cancer and its impact on male caregivers are less explored than how other cancer diagnoses impact male caregivers. The theoretical concept of caring masculinities is helpful to interpret men's experiences as caregivers and partners.
The study employs a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews with six men/partners recruited through the gynaecological section at a hospital. COREQ reporting guidelines have been applied.
Based on our analyses, we find that men's experiences of being caregivers and partners of women treated for cervical cancer are multifaceted, comprising emotional and practical aspects. However, three main findings stand out as particularly significant for men in the context of cervical cancer: loneliness, an altered sexual relationship and shared feelings of vulnerability.
The men describe an interdependence in the relationship with the women but also how the relationships have been seriously altered, particularly when it comes to sexuality. These findings resonate with hegemonic as well as caring masculinities.
Complex issues of intimacy and sexuality should be a pivotal element in educating future healthcare professionals. We strongly suggest that issues such as dealing with masculinity and caregiving roles should be on the agenda and reflected upon in teaching and supervising in clinical practice. A broader approach to sexual health and relationships is needed in the patient-clinician relationships, including information about human papillomavirus.
本研究旨在了解女性宫颈癌患者的男性伴侣在患病期间和之后的经历。我们探讨了男性成为照顾者的经历，以及疾病轨迹如何影响或已经影响了这种关系。
癌症诊断对癌症患者和其家庭成员的生活都有重大影响。然而，关于男性伴侣癌症经历的研究很少。此外，宫颈癌及其对男性照顾者的影响比其他癌症诊断对男性照顾者的影响研究得更少。照顾男性气质的理论概念有助于解释男性作为照顾者和伴侣的经历。
本研究采用定性设计，对通过医院妇科科室招募的 6 名男性/伴侣进行半结构化访谈。我们应用了 COREQ 报告指南。
基于我们的分析，我们发现男性作为宫颈癌治疗女性的照顾者和伴侣的经历是多方面的，包括情感和实际方面。然而，有三个主要发现对宫颈癌背景下的男性尤为重要：孤独、性关系改变和共同的脆弱感。
男性描述了他们与女性之间的相互依存关系，但也描述了这种关系已经严重改变，尤其是在性关系方面。这些发现与霸权和照顾男性气质都有关联。
亲密关系和性的复杂问题应该成为教育未来医疗保健专业人员的关键要素。我们强烈建议，在教学和临床实践监督中，应将处理男性气质和照顾角色等问题列入议程并加以反思。在医患关系中，需要采取更广泛的性健康和关系方法，包括有关人乳头瘤病毒的信息。
