Experiences of cohabiting partners of women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy: a qualitative study
Details
Publication Year 2024-05-27,Volume 32,Issue #6,Page 384
Journal Title
Supportive Care in Cancer
Publication Type
Research article
Abstract
PURPOSE: When a pregnant woman is diagnosed with cancer, she faces complex and unique challenges while navigating both obstetric and oncological care. Despite often being the primary support for women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy (CDP), little is known about the experiences of their partners. We undertook an in-depth exploration of the experiences of partners of women diagnosed with CDP in Australia. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with partners of women diagnosed with CDP treated in Australia. Interviews explored partners' inclusion in decision making and communication with health professionals and their own coping experiences. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Data from interviews with 12 male partners (N = 12) of women diagnosed with CDP were analysed. Two unique themes relevant to partners were identified: 'Partners require support to adjust to changing roles and additional burdens' and 'Treating the couple as a team facilitates agency and coping, but partners' needs are placed second by all'. CONCLUSION: Partners of women diagnosed with CDP commonly experience unique stressors and a substantial shift in previously established roles across multiple domains including medical advocacy, household coordination and parenting. Partners' coping is interlinked with how the woman diagnosed with CDP is coping. Inclusion of partners in treatment decisions and communications, and considering partners' wellbeing alongside that of the woman with CDP, is likely to be supportive for partners. In turn, this is likely to enhance the quality of support that women diagnosed with CDP receive from their partners.
Publisher
Springer Nature
Keywords
Humans; Female; *Qualitative Research; Pregnancy; Adult; *Adaptation, Psychological; Male; *Spouses/psychology; Australia; Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic/psychology/therapy; Neoplasms/psychology; Interviews as Topic; Decision Making; Social Support; Cancer; Caregivers; Gestational; Psycho-oncology; Psychosocial support systems; Spouses
Department(s)
Clinical Haematology
Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-08570-8
Terms of Use/Rights Notice
Refer to copyright notice on published article.


Creation Date: 2024-07-18 03:28:06
Last Modified: 2024-07-18 03:32:48

© 2024 The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Access to this website is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙