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.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 4;20(4):2786. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20042786.
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.
对于被诊断患有乳腺癌的女性来说，伴侣通常被认为是主要的支持人员。尽管人们越来越认识到癌症护理人员的心理社会经历和未满足的需求，但关于在癌症全程提供以伴侣为中心的护理的策略的证据有限。本研究描述了乳腺癌幸存者（BCS）伴侣所经历的挑战、他们为应对这些经历所采取的策略，以及为告知针对性的心理社会护理而向医疗保健提供者提出的建议。研究使用便利抽样法招募了 22 名女性 BCS 的伴侣，并完成了半结构化访谈。采用常规内容分析法对研究结果进行编码和综合。参与者描述了在他们作为浪漫伴侣的角色中经历的五种体验：（a）承担照顾者的角色，（b）成为 BCS 的医疗保健倡导者，（c）与伴侣在情感上建立联系，（d）管理自己的痛苦情绪，以及（e）与他人建立联系以获得支持。确定了特定体验的应对策略和建议。浪漫伴侣在癌症护理全程中面临多种转变，这需要进行调查，以维持他们的幸福感并积极参与疾病管理。该群体的心理社会干预措施将受益于灵活的实施，并关注护理提供、心理健康和支持/社会需求。
