Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, and Recommendations for Care Delivery among Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study

Chiara Acquati (), Katharine J. Head, Kevin L. Rand, Jennifer S. Alwine, Danielle Nicole Short, Andrea A. Cohee, Victoria L. Champion and Claire Burke Draucker ()
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Chiara Acquati: Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Katharine J. Head: Department of Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Kevin L. Rand: School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Jennifer S. Alwine: School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Danielle Nicole Short: School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Andrea A. Cohee: School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Victoria L. Champion: School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Claire Burke Draucker: School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: partners; caregiving; breast cancer; coping; psychosocial oncology; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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