Document Type
Article
Publication Title
BMC Research Notes
Abstract
Objectives: Due to the increasing survivorship of breast cancer, survivor's view of their families through the process of diagnosis and treatment is essential. The Theory of Health-related Family Quality of Life (HRFQoL) guided this exploration of the ways in which breast cancer impacts family life. In this study, HRFQoL was used to explore breast cancer survivors' perceptions of the theory's sub-concepts of psychological and/or affectional closeness, family communication, and social support. The guiding research question was: In what ways do breast cancer survivors describe their experiences regarding changes in emotional closeness among family members following their breast cancer diagnosis? Participants (N = 22) were interviewed to discuss their experiences with breast cancer, family quality of life, decision-making, basic health information, and personal coping. Data were analyzed using NVivo 9 to conduct thematic analysis and consensual qualitative data analysis.
Results: Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer improved the majority of participants' HRFQoL. Participants who reported positive perceptions prior to diagnosis also reported positive perceptions after diagnosis. These findings elucidate the HRFQoL theory and contribute to understanding how breast cancer impacts family life.
DOI
10.1186/s13104-019-4354-5
Publication Date
6-3-2019
Keywords
Communication, Family, Qualitative methodology, Quality of life, Social Support, Theory
ISSN
1756-0500
Recommended Citation
Radina M, Deer BL, Herriman RA, Jagpal A, Dodd MM, Kawamura KL, Clark LC. Elucidating Emotional Closeness Within the Theory of Health-Related Family Quality of Life: Evidence From Breast Cancer Survivors. BMC Research Notes. 2019; 12(1). doi: 10.1186/s13104-019-4354-5.
