A meta-analysis of qualitative studies on living with oesophageal and clinically similar forms of cancer, seen from the perspective of patients and family members

Andreassen, Sissel; Randers, Ingrid; Nyhlin, Kerstin Ternulf; Mattiasson, Anne-Cathrine

doi:10.3402/qhw.v2i2.4952

Cited by 7 publications

(19 citation statements)

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“…Further, they felt their awkward eating habits placing additional restrictions on their social life. In this context, one should not ignore the compounded psychosocial impact of xerostomia among individuals with head and neck malignities as shown by (Rydholm & Strang, 2002;Andreassen, Randers, Ternulf Nyhlin & Mattiasson 2007).…”

Section: Restrictions Of Daily Lifementioning

confidence: 99%

The subjective meaning of xerostomia—an aggravating misery

Folke

Paulsson

Fridlund

et al. 2009

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well

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Xerostomia, the subjective sensation of dry mouth, is associated with qualitative and quantitative changes of saliva. Poor health, certain medications and radiation therapy constitute major risk factors. To gain further understanding of this condition the present study explored the main concern of xerostomia expressed by affl icted adults. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 participants and analysed according to the grounded theory method. An aggravating misery was identifi ed as the core category, meaning that the main concern of xerostomia is its devastating and debilitating impact on multiple domains of well-being. Professional consultation, search for affi rmation and social withdrawal were strategies of management. The fi ndings reveal that xerostomia is not a trivial condition for those suffering. Oral impairment as well as physical and psychosocial consequences of xerostomia has a negative impact on quality of life. There is an obvious need to enhance professional competence to improve the compassion for and the support of individuals affl icted by xerostomia. copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

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Section: Restrictions Of Daily Lifementioning

confidence: 99%

The subjective meaning of xerostomia—an aggravating misery

Folke

Paulsson

Fridlund

et al. 2009

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well

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“…Patients with EC can be burdened by the uncertain prospect of dying and in dealing with a complex and efficient health care system, in which tests and treatment are carried out quickly leaving them little time to adapt and consider decisions and the consequences of the treatment (Bull et al, 2019; Lagergren et al, 2017; Larsen et al, 2019; Mansour et al, 2017). Having a life-threatening illness such as EC makes it challenging to patients and relatives to survey the treatment course and comprehend consequences to treatment (Andreassen et al, 2007; Dempster et al, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patients’ Experiences With Illness, Treatment, and Decision-Making for Esophageal Cancer: A Qualitative Study in a Danish Hospital Setting

Larsen

Schultz

Mortensen

et al. 2020

Global Qualitative Nursing Research

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Patients with curable esophageal cancer or cancer in the esophageal junction face several challenges during the course of their treatment because of the burden of uncertainty in their prognoses and complexity and side effects of the treatment. The aim of this study is to explore patient experiences with illness, treatment, and decision-making in the context of esophageal cancer. A qualitative approach using phenomenological–hermeneutical methodology was used. Data consisted of participant observations and interviews. We analyzed the data based on Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation. The results show that patients with esophageal cancer are putting their ordinary lives on hold and experiencing the meal as a battleground during treatment. Patients strive to maintain autonomy, gain control, and take ownership. The results emphasize the need for a systematic approach to establish an ongoing dialogue with patients throughout the course of treatment.

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“…Unpredictable health and uncertainty about the future has been described as a defining feature of people with chronic illnesses [42, 43, 70]. In this study, diabetes patients indicated a failure to plan in advance and organize their days due to the unpredictability of their health condition.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 89%

Illness experiences of diabetes in the context of malaria in settings experiencing double burden of disease in southeastern Tanzania

et al. 2017

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BackgroundTanzania is doubly burdened with both non-communicable and infectious diseases, but information on how Tanzanians experience the co-existence of these conditions is limited. Using Kleinman’s eight prompting questions the study synthesizes explanatory models from patients to describe common illness experiences of diabetes in a rural setting where malaria is the predominant health threat.MethodsWe conducted 17 focus group discussions with adult members of the general community, diabetes patients, neighbours and relatives of diabetes patients to gain insight into shared experiences. To gain in-depth understanding of the individual illness experiences, we conducted 41 in-depth interviews with malaria or diabetes patients and family members of diabetes patients. The analysis followed grounded theory principles and the illness experiences were derived from the emerging themes.ResultsThe illness experiences showed that malaria and diabetes are both perceived to be severe and fatal conditions, but over the years people have learned to live with malaria and the condition is relatively manageable compared with diabetes. In contrast, diabetes was perceived as a relatively new disease, with serious life-long consequences. Uncertainty, fear of those consequences, and the increased risk for severe malaria and other illnesses impacted diabetes patients and their families’ illness experiences. Unpredictable ailments and loss of consciousness, memory, libido, and functional incapability were common problems reported by diabetes patients. These problems had an effect on their psychological and emotional health and limited their social life. Direct and indirect costs of illness pushed individuals and their families further into poverty and were more pronounced for diabetes patients.ConclusionThe illness experiences revealed both malaria and diabetes as distressing conditions, however, diabetes showed a higher level of stress because of its chronicity. Strategies for supporting social, emotional, and psychological well-being that build on the patient accounts are likely to improve illness experiences and quality of life for the chronically ill patient.

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A meta-analysis of qualitative studies on living with oesophageal and clinically similar forms of cancer, seen from the perspective of patients and family members

Cited by 7 publications

References 0 publications

The subjective meaning of xerostomia—an aggravating misery

The subjective meaning of xerostomia—an aggravating misery

Patients’ Experiences With Illness, Treatment, and Decision-Making for Esophageal Cancer: A Qualitative Study in a Danish Hospital Setting

Illness experiences of diabetes in the context of malaria in settings experiencing double burden of disease in southeastern Tanzania

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