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Exploring the perception of survivors on the bidirectional impact between cancer and their social contexts: A mixed-methods approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 March 2019

Elizabeth Palmer Kelly ,
Julia L. Agne  and
Timothy M. Pawlik Open the ORCID record for Timothy M. Pawlik [Opens in a new window]
Elizabeth Palmer Kelly
Affiliation:
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
Julia L. Agne
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
Timothy M. Pawlik*
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
*
Author for correspondence: Timothy M. Pawlik, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., F.A..CS., F.R.A.C.S. (Hon.), Professor and Chair, Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, Professor of Surgery, Oncology, Health Services Management and Policy, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite 670. Columbus OH, 43210. E-mail: Tim.Pawlik@osumc.edu
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Abstract

Objective

The purpose of the current study was to use a mixed-methods approach to assess the perspective of cancer survivors on the bidirectional impact between cancer and their social contexts.

Method

A fixed concurrent triangulation mixed-methods survey design was used with open- and closed-ended questions that were predetermined and administered to participants. Quantitative items included demographic questions and the Life Impact Checklist. Qualitative questions were designed to explore the bidirectional impact between the patient and specific contexts including spirituality/faith, the spousal/partner relationship, and the family. A cross-sectional descriptive approach was used to evaluate the quantitative items and the constant comparative method guided the analysis of open-ended questions.

Result

Among 116 participants (mean age 58.4 years), the majority were female (66.7%) with breast cancer (27.9%). Nearly one-half the respondents endorsed a positive impact of cancer on their spirituality/faith, but qualitative results suggested less of a bidirectional impact. The importance of the spouse/partner during the cancer experience was emphasized, including the subthemes of instrumental and emotional support; however, there was often a negative impact of cancer on the spouse/partner relationship, including sexual functioning. Survivors indicated family members provided instrumental and emotional support, but not as regularly or directly as a spouse/partner.

Significance of results

Social contexts are important among cancer survivors, with many cancer survivors relying more on their spouse/partner than other family members for support. The cancer experience is stressful not only for survivors, but also for individuals in their social contexts and relationships.

Keywords

Mixed-methodsCancerRelationshipsSocial contextsBidirectional influence
Type
Original Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 17 , Issue 6 , December 2019 , pp. 668 - 676
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2019 

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