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Chi DL, Kerr D, Patiño Nguyen D, Shands ME, Cruz S, Edwards T, Carle A, Carpiano R, Lewis F. A conceptual model on caregivers' hesitancy of topical fluoride for their children. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282834. [PMID: 36947522 PMCID: PMC10032489 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Topical fluoride hesitancy is a well-documented and growing public health problem. Despite extensive evidence that topical fluoride is safe and prevents tooth decay, an increasing number of caregivers are hesitant about their children receiving topical fluoride, leading to challenges in clinical settings where caregivers refuse preventive care. PURPOSE To explore the determinants of topical fluoride hesitancy for caregivers with dependent children. METHODS In this qualitative study, we interviewed 56 fluoride-hesitant caregivers to develop an inductive conceptual model of reasons why caregivers are hesitant. RESULTS The core construct of the conceptual model of topical fluoride hesitancy centered on caregivers "wanting to protect and not mess up their child". Six domains comprised this core construct: thinking topical fluoride is unnecessary, wanting to keep chemicals out of my child's body, thinking fluoride is harmful, thinking there is too much uncertainty about fluoride, feeling pressured to get topical fluoride, and feeling fluoride should be a choice. CONCLUSIONS Topical fluoride hesitancy is complex and multifactorial. Study findings provide insight for future efforts to understand and optimize caregivers' preventive care decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald L Chi
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Darragh Kerr
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Daisy Patiño Nguyen
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Mary Ellen Shands
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Cruz
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Todd Edwards
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Adam Carle
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Richard Carpiano
- University of California Riverside, School of Public Policy, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Frances Lewis
- Department of Child, Family and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Palacios R, Lewis FM, Reyes CL, Griffith K, Zahlis E, Shands ME. A pilot feasibility study of Conexiones, a telephone-delivered cancer parenting education program for Hispanic mothers. J Psychosoc Oncol 2022; 41:104-122. [PMID: 35587607 PMCID: PMC9674800 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2022.2065227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the short-term impact of Conexiones, a culturally adapted cancer parenting education program for diagnosed child-rearing Hispanic mothers. DESIGN Single group, pre-post-test design. SAMPLE 18 U.S. Hispanic mothers diagnosed within 2 years with early-stage cancer (0-III) raising a child (5-17 years). METHODS Participants completed consent, baseline measures, and five telephone-delivered Conexiones sessions at 2-week intervals from trained patient educators in English or Spanish. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3 months. RESULTS Maternal depressed mood, parenting self-efficacy, and parenting quality significantly improved. Children's anxious/depressed mood tended to significantly improve. Outcomes did not co-vary with mothers' level of acculturation. CONCLUSIONS Conexiones appears to positively improve Hispanic mothers' distress and parenting competencies; efficacy testing is warranted within a larger randomized control trial. IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS A brief, culturally adapted cancer parenting education program has potential to enhance Hispanic mothers' and children's behavioral-emotional adjustment to a mother's cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Palacios
- Department of Public Health Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
| | - Frances Marcus Lewis
- bSchool of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Public Health Sciences and Member Clinical Research Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Clara Lucia Reyes
- Department of Public Health Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
| | - Kristin Griffith
- bSchool of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ellen Zahlis
- bSchool of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Shands
- bSchool of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents with advanced cancer struggle initiating conversations with their children about the cancer. When parents do not have the tools to talk with their children, they silently watch their children attempt to navigate their illness but can only wonder but not know what their children are thinking. The objective of the current study is to describe, from parents living with advanced cancer, the worries and concerns parents wonder their child holds, but has not spoken, about the parent's cancer. METHODS Twenty-seven parents with incurable cancer enrolled in a 5 session telephone intervention pilot study during which they were asked, "What questions do you have about what your child is thinking or feeling about the cancer?" Data were transcribed and inductively coded using content analysis methods adapted from grounded theory. RESULTS Analysis yielded 14 categories of parent concerns organized into 6 larger conceptual domains: Being Concerned and Scared about My Cancer; Worrying about Me; Changing How We Talk and Live Day-to-Day; Not Knowing What Will Happen; Having Unanswered Questions about My Cancer; and Understanding My Disease Is Terminal. CONCLUSIONS Study results add to our understanding of the magnitude of the emotional burden parents with advanced cancer carry as they struggle to balance their diagnosis and treatment and their life as parents.
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Lewis FM, Zahlis EH, Shands ME, Griffith KA, Goldberger S, Shaft A, Kennedy R, Rice A. A pilot feasibility study of a group-delivered cancer parenting program: Enhancing Connections-Group. J Psychosoc Oncol 2020; 39:1-16. [PMID: 32367786 PMCID: PMC7641985 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2020.1745987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and short-term impact of a 5-session fully manualized, group-delivered cancer parenting education program to diagnosed parents or surrogate parents with a school-age child. DESIGN Single group, pre-post-test design with intent to treat analysis. SAMPLE A total of 16 parents completed the program who were diagnosed within 12 months with non-metastatic cancer of any type (Stages 0-III), read and wrote English, had a child 5-17 years old who knew the parent's diagnosis. METHODS Assessments occurred at baseline and at 2 months post-baseline on standardized measures of parental depressed mood, anxiety, parenting self-efficacy, parenting quality, parenting skills and child behavioral-emotional adjustment. FINDINGS/RESULTS The program was feasible and well accepted: 16/18 (89%) of the enrolled participants were included in the intent to treat analysis. Program staff were consistently positive and enthusiastic about the demonstrated skills they observed in group attendees during the group-delivered sessions, including the emergence of support between attendees. Outcomes on all measures improved between baseline and post-intervention; changes were statistically significant on measures of parents' anxiety, parents' self-efficacy, parents' skills, and parenting quality. CONCLUSIONS The group-delivered Enhancing Connections cancer parenting program has potential to improve behavioral-emotional outcomes on standardized measures of skills and emotional adjustment in parents, parent-surrogates and children. Future testing is warranted. IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS After a brief training, a fully manualized cancer parenting program can enhance parenting competencies and parent-reported child outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Marcus Lewis
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle WA
- Affiliate, Public Health Sciences and Member Clinical Research Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA
| | | | | | | | - Sara Goldberger
- Sara Goldberger, LCSW-R, Program consultant, Cancer Support Community, New York
| | - Anita Shaft
- Anita Shaft, LMSW, Program Manager, Gilda’s Club Quad Cities
| | - Rachel Kennedy
- Rachel Kennedy, LCPC, Hospital Program Manager, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Gilda’s Club Chicago
| | - Aly Rice
- Aly Rice, MSW, LSW, Program Coordinator, Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia
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Lewis FM, Loggers ET, Phillips F, Palacios R, Tercyak KP, Griffith KA, Shands ME, Zahlis EH, Alzawad Z, Almulla HA. Enhancing Connections-Palliative Care: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Feasibility Study of a Cancer Parenting Program. J Palliat Med 2019; 23:211-219. [PMID: 31613703 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In 2018, >75,000 children were newly affected by the diagnosis of advanced cancer in a parent. Unfortunately, few programs exist to help parents and their children manage the impact of advanced disease together as a family. The Enhancing Connections-Palliative Care (EC-PC) parenting program was developed in response to this gap. Objective: (1) Assess the feasibility of the EC-PC parenting program (recruitment, enrollment, and retention); (2) test the short-term impact of the program on changes in parent and child outcomes; and (3) explore the relationship between parents' physical and psychological symptoms with program outcomes. Design: Quasi-experimental two-group design employing both within- and between-subjects analyses to examine change over time and change relative to historical controls. Parents participated in five telephone-delivered and fully manualized behavioral intervention sessions at two-week intervals, delivered by trained nurses. Behavioral assessments were obtained at baseline and at three months on parents' depressed mood, anxiety, parenting skills, parenting self-efficacy, and symptom distress as well as children's behavioral-emotional adjustment (internalizing, externalizing, and anxiety/depression). Subjects: Parents diagnosed with advanced or metastatic cancer and receiving noncurative treatment were eligible for the trial provided they had one or more children aged 5-17 living at home, were able to read, write, and speak English, and were not enrolled in a hospice program. Results: Of those enrolled, 62% completed all intervention sessions and post-intervention assessments. Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in parents' self-efficacy in helping their children manage pressures from the parent's cancer; parents' skills to elicit children's cancer-related concerns; and parents' skills to help their children cope with the cancer. Between-group analyses revealed comparable improvements with historical controls on parents' anxiety, depressed mood, self-efficacy, parenting skills, and children's behavioral-emotional adjustment. Conclusion: The EC-PC parenting program shows promise in significantly improving parents' skills and confidence in supporting their child about the cancer. Further testing of the program is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Marcus Lewis
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth P Tercyak
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
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Lewis FM, Griffith KA, Alzawad Z, Dawson PL, Zahlis EH, Shands ME. Helping Her Heal: Randomized clinical trial to enhance dyadic outcomes in couples. Psychooncology 2018; 28:430-438. [PMID: 30549145 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test the short-term efficacy of a brief, fully manualized marital communication and interpersonal support intervention for couples facing recently diagnosed breast cancer. METHODS A total of 322 women diagnosed within 6 months with stages 0 to III breast cancer and their 322 spouse caregivers were enrolled. Spouses in the experimental group received five 30- to 60-minute intervention sessions at 2-week intervals by master's-prepared patient educators; controls received the booklet, "What's Happening to the Woman I Love?" Outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, and 9 months using the linear mixed models within an intent-to-treat analysis. RESULTS Compared with controls, at 3 months, spouse caregivers significantly improved on standardized measures of depressed mood, anxiety, cancer-related marital communication, interpersonal support, and self-care. All differences except depressed mood and anxiety were sustained at 9 months. Wives significantly improved at 3 months on marital communication and positive appraisal of spouses' interpersonal support; gains remained significant at 9 months. Compared with controls on chemotherapy, wives in the experimental group additionally improved on depressed mood and tended to improve on anxiety. CONCLUSIONS A brief, fully manualized intervention delivered directly to spouse caregivers early in the course of their wives' medical treatment improves caregivers' self-care and behavioral-emotional adjustment and wives' positive view of their spouses' support and communication. The brevity and manualized structure of the intervention argue strongly for its scalability, use in cost-sensitive settings, and its potential dissemination through e-health channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Marcus Lewis
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Public Health Sciences and Clinical Research Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Zainab Alzawad
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Patricia L Dawson
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ellen H Zahlis
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Shands
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Lewis FM, Brandt PA, Cochrane BB, Griffith KA, Grant M, Haase JE, Houldin AD, Post-White J, Zahlis EH, Shands ME. The Enhancing Connections Program: a six-state randomized clinical trial of a cancer parenting program. J Consult Clin Psychol 2014; 83:12-23. [PMID: 25403016 DOI: 10.1037/a0038219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a cancer parenting program for child rearing mothers with breast cancer, the Enhancing Connections Program. Primary goals were to decrease maternal depressed mood and anxiety, improve parenting quality, parenting skills and confidence, and enhance the child's behavioral-emotional adjustment to maternal breast cancer. METHOD A total of 176 mothers diagnosed within 6 months with Stage 0 to Stage III breast cancer and their 8- to 12-year-old child were recruited from medical providers in 6 states: Washington, California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Arizona, and Indiana. After consenting and obtaining baseline measures, study participants were randomized into experimental or control groups. Experimental mothers received 5, 1-hr educational counseling sessions at 2-week intervals; controls received a booklet and phone call on communicating and supporting their child about the mother's cancer. Outcomes were assessed at 2 and 12 months. RESULTS Compared to controls, at 2 months experimental mothers significantly improved on depressed mood and parenting skills; experimental children improved on behavioral-emotional adjustment: total behavior problems, externalizing problems, and anxiety/depressed mood significantly declined. At 1 year, experimental children remained significantly less depressed than controls on both mother- and child-reported measures. The intervention failed to significantly affect parenting self-efficacy or maternal anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The Enhancing Connections Program benefitted mothers and children in specific areas and warrants refinement and further testing.
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Lewis FM, Cochrane BB, Fletcher KA, Zahlis EH, Shands ME, Gralow JR, Wu SM, Schmitz K. Helping Her Heal: a pilot study of an educational counseling intervention for spouses of women with breast cancer. Psychooncology 2008; 17:131-7. [PMID: 17429834 DOI: 10.1002/pon.1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is known to cause substantial anxiety, depressed mood, and diminished marital functioning in the diagnosed woman's spouse. Despite the scope and magnitude of these issues, few intervention studies have included spouses or addressed the causes of their lower functioning. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the short-term impact of a 5-session, clinic-based, educational counseling intervention for spouses whose wife was recently diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. The goals of the intervention were to enhance spouses' skills and confidence to communicate and interpersonally support his wife about the breast cancer as well as improve spouses' self-care, depressed mood, anxiety, and marital adjustment. Pre-post-test results obtained from 20 spouses from valid and reliable standardized questionnaires showed significant improvements in spouses' depressed mood, anxiety, skills, self-confidence, and self-care. Confidential post-intervention interviews with spouses and wives included detailed examples of positive changes in the spouse's communication and support to his wife about the breast cancer, diminished tension in the spouse, and improved quality in the couple's relationship. Further evaluation of the Helping Her Heal Program is warranted within a clinical trial.
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Lewis FM, Casey SM, Brandt PA, Shands ME, Zahlis EH. The enhancing connections program: pilot study of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for mothers and children affected by breast cancer. Psychooncology 2006; 15:486-97. [PMID: 16216035 DOI: 10.1002/pon.979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In 2005, approximately 211,240 women in the US will be diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and an estimated 22% will be child rearing. Research reveals that both mothers and children have elevated distress attributed to the cancer; struggle with how to talk about and deal with the impact of the cancer; and both fear the mother will die. The Enhancing Connections Program (EC) was developed to reduce this cancer-related distress and morbidity. The program involves five, 1-hour educational counseling sessions delivered at 2-week intervals by specially trained clinicians. This study reports on the program's short-term impact on mothers' and children's adjustment. Thirteen households were recruited within 7.5 months of the mother's diagnosis with early stage breast cancer. Impact was evaluated within a single group design using data obtained from standardized questionnaires with established reliability and validity. Results revealed significant improvements in the mother's depressed mood, anxiety, and self-confidence to assist her child (mother report). There were also significant decreases in the child's behavioral problems (mother and father report); the child's cancer-related worries (child report); and the child's anxiety/depressed mood (mother and father report). Further evaluation is warranted within a clinical trial.
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Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Although clinicians and scientists have a growing awareness of breast cancer as a couple's joint experience, no one has studied the concerns couples choose to address with a professional coach to better manage the impact of the cancer. The purpose of the current study was to describe illness-related concerns couples worked on together with masters-educated professional coaches during the first eleven months of the wife's treatment for early stage breast cancer. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Intervention sessions were conducted with twenty-nine couples in their homes in the Pacific Northwest. DESIGN Data were obtained from single occasion case intensive interviews with couples. MAIN RESULTS Inductive coding of the audiorecorded intervention sessions yielded four domains of core concerns: dealing with tension in the relationship; needing to be together as a couple; wondering about the children; and managing the threat of breast cancer. CONCLUSION Over half the couples chose to address and do something about the stress, tension and dissatisfaction they were feeling in their relationship that each attributed to the breast cancer. Future family-focused cancer care needs to include services that assist couples to address these core concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ellen Shands
- University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA 98195-7262, USA.
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Shands ME, Lewis FM, Zahlis EH. Mother and child interactions about the mother's breast cancer: an interview study. Oncol Nurs Forum 2000; 27:77-85. [PMID: 10660925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To describe mothers' reported methods of interacting with the mothers' school-age children about their breast cancer. DESIGN Qualitative. SETTING/SAMPLE 19 mothers newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Mothers received treatment for their illness in the Pacific Northwest. Mothers had at least one child between 7 and 12 years old at the time of diagnosis. METHODS Case-intensive, in-home, semistructured interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and inductively coded into four conceptual domains and 16 categories of behavioral strategies used by the mothers to interact with their children about the breast cancer. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Behavioral strategies used by mothers when interacting with the children about the breast cancer and when providing children with support. FINDINGS Mothers used a number of methods to bring children into the mothers' breast cancer experience. The conceptual domains included talking about the breast cancer, explaining treatment and care, providing experiences, and doing things to help children cope. CONCLUSIONS The dominant pattern in the interview data was for mothers to assume a teacher/educator role with the children about the cancer, not an interactive, emotive-expressive parenting role. Most mothers used technical biomedical language; did not give evidence of systematically checking on the children's understanding of what they were told; did not elicit the children's concerns; and exposed the children to emotionally laden or potentially frightening images, words, or experiences. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Programs and materials need to be developed that help mothers work from a model of parenting that includes developmentally appropriate language, facilitates the children's expression of questions and feelings, links the mothers with the children's understanding of the illness, and assists the children to better manage what is happening related to the breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Shands
- Department of Family and Child Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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Lewis FM, Zahlis EH, Shands ME, Sinsheimer JA, Hammond MA. The functioning of single women with breast cancer and their school-aged children. Cancer Pract 1996; 4:15-24. [PMID: 8788766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Although there are significant numbers of single women with breast cancer who are rearing children, there is no known study of their own or their school-aged children's adjustment to the illness. The purposes of this study are: 1) to describe the adjustment of single women to early stage breast cancer; 2) to contrast their responses to a comparable sample of married/partnered women; 3) and to document the psychosocial functioning of school-aged children when their single mother has breast cancer. Results obtained from questionnaire data from 22 single and 101 married/partnered women revealed that single women had significantly higher rates of depression; reported significantly higher numbers of illness-related pressures on their family; had a significantly higher proportion of young children scoring in the abnormal range on measures of self-worth and social acceptance; and reported lower quality in parenting their children. Interviews with single women revealed that many were burdened by feelings of self-deprecation because of their breast cancer, and many felt alone with the disease through the initial diagnosis period, during treatments, and through recovery. Evidence from this pilot study suggests that single women need early and immediate linkage into an informational and educational network and a viable adult support network.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Lewis
- University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, USA
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Abstract
Little attention has been given to the partner's long-term experience after his wife's diagnosis of breast cancer. The results of this current study highlight the opportunity for nurses to make a difference in the distress levels of patients' partners after the diagnosis of breast cancer. Long-term negative effects can be seen in partners' fears about disease recurrence and marital problems related to breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Zahlis
- Department of Community Health Care Systems, University of Washington, Seattle 98195
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