Opsomer S, Joossens S, De Wit C, Lauwerier E, Pype P. Couples coping with nutrition-related problems in advanced cancer: A qualitative study in primary care.
Eur J Oncol Nurs 2018;
38:76-84. [PMID:
30717940 DOI:
10.1016/j.ejon.2018.12.006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Nutrition-related problems are common in patients with advanced cancer. They can disrupt daily life and routines. This study aimed to explore how couples cope with this source of distress.
METHODS
A qualitative descriptive study design was adopted using semi-structured interviews. Seven couples, each consisting of an advanced cancer patient and his or her co-habiting life partner, participated. The Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL) was used as a guide to facilitate the analysis process.
RESULTS
When a patient communicates nutrition-related problems to the partner, individual coping is often complemented by interactive couple-coping pathways, serving two resilient coping strategies: maintaining normality and creating a new normality. These pathways can have either a practical, an emotional or a distant orientation. Different couple-coping pathways can be observed in the same couple when they are dealing with either one or multiple nutrition-related problems. Some couples, however, seem to cope more rigidly, often those with less observed 'we-ness'.
CONCLUSIONS
Nutrition-related problems are inherent to advanced cancer and are perceived as health-threatening. Couple-coping with nutrition-related problems is a dynamic and interactive process leaning on different coping pathways. There is no evidence that one pathway is superior to another, as they all serve a resilient coping strategy. Our findings can assist homecare nurses and other professional caregivers in providing psychological support and advice to couples confronted with nutrition-related problems in advanced cancer. Future research should shed light on whether an unsuitable match in coping styles within a couple is one of the precursors of non-resilient outcomes.
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