Couples Facing Skin Cancer in Old Age: A Dyadic Investigation of Partner Support and Quality of Life

Author(s):  
L. Michelle Butner-Kozimor ◽  
Jyoti Savla

This study investigated perceived support received by partners and its association with quality of life (QOL) in older couples facing skin cancer. Thirty couples ( n = 60; M Age = 70) in which one partner had a skin cancer diagnosis (PwSC) completed either online or paper surveys about their skin cancer diagnosis, perceived partner support, and overall QOL. Actor–partner interdependence models revealed that when PwSCs reported overprotection from their healthy partners (HPs), they were more likely to report lower QOL. Protective buffering received by HPs was negatively associated with their QOL as well as their PwSCs QOL. Active engagement support, however, was not associated with either partner’s QOL. While couples may use all three styles of relationship-focused support, protective buffering and overprotection affected each partner’s QOL. Implications of the study findings for interventions for couples facing illnesses like skin cancer are discussed.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 430-430
Author(s):  
Laura Butner-Kozimor ◽  
Jyoti Savla

Abstract When older adults in partnered relationships face a skin cancer diagnosis of one partner, couples may rely on one another for support. Previous studies have found that perceived support can influence one’s adjustment to the stressors associated with the skin cancer diagnosis, as well as influence the overall quality of life. Using dyadic data from 30 older couples (Mage = 70; SD = 7.25), this study examined positive and negative relationship-focused support strategies each partner provided and effects on the dyad’s quality of life. Dyadic path analyses simultaneously examined the impact of support received by one’s partner and its association with their own quality of life (actor effects) and their partner’s quality of life (partner effects). Positive support received by either partner, in the form of active engagement, was not associated with quality of life. In contrast, negative support in the form of protective buffering received from supporting partners was associated with poorer quality of life for themselves (β = -.37, p = .05) as well as for partners with skin cancer (β = -.43, p = .01). Similarly, overprotection, also a negative support strategy, by supporting partners was associated with poorer quality of life for partners with skin cancer (β = -.63, p < .001). Findings illustrate that not all types of support are beneficial for the overall couple relationship and couple outcomes. Implications for practice and interventions for older couples facing a cancer diagnosis will be discussed.


2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Archna Sarwal ◽  
Andrew J. Roth

Optimism about improved survival from cancer has increased. However, even with tremendous improvements in screening techniques and treatment, a cancer diagnosis may shatter the dream of a dignified old age for elderly patients. Cancer diagnosis and treatment often produce psychological stresses resulting from the actual symptoms of the disease, as well as the patient and family's perceptions of the disease and its stigma. Concerns related to cancer have particular meaning for aging individuals who undergo these situations in the context of retirement, widowhood, other medical disabilities, and other losses. Today, patients and families are more interested in treatment issues and quality of life, both during and after treatment. In this article we discuss late life depression, anxiety, and delirium and treatments related to elderly patients coping with cancer.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 240
Author(s):  
MiJung Eum ◽  
HyungSeon Kim

With the increase in the aging population worldwide, social interest in having a vibrant and valuable old age has been increasing with changes in the perspectives on old age. This study aimed to determine the relationship between active aging and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in middle-aged and older Korean using national data. The subjects were 14,117 adults aged ≥55 years. HRQOL was evaluated using the EuroQol–5 Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire, and active aging was defined based on the health factors, participation factors, and security factors. The average EQ-5D score was 91.04 ± 0.143. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis sequentially inputting the health, participation, and security factors showed that health factors had the strongest influence on HRQOL (F = 216.656, p < 0.001). In the final model, which included all variables, activity limit (B = −10.477, p < 0.001) and subjective health status (B = −7.282, p < 0.001) were closely related to the HRQOL. In addition, economic activity, income level, home ownership, private health insurance, and unmet healthcare needs were associated with HRQOL. The R2 of the model was 38.2%. To improve the HRQOL of middle-aged and older people, it is necessary to consider active aging factors. Furthermore, follow-up studies using various indicators reflecting active aging should be conducted.


Author(s):  
Pablo García-Montero ◽  
María Victoria de Gálvez-Aranda ◽  
Nuria Blázquez-Sánchez ◽  
Francisco Rivas-Ruíz ◽  
José Francisco Millán-Cayetano ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Julia Steinbauer ◽  
Michael Koller ◽  
Elisabeth Kohl ◽  
Sigrid Karrer ◽  
Michael Landthaler ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Aanchal Satija ◽  
Sushma Bhatnagar ◽  
Semra Ozdemir ◽  
Eric Finkelstein ◽  
Chetna Maholtra ◽  
...  

Background: Prognostic disclosure to patients with advanced cancer facilitates treatment decisions and goals of care discussions. However, the perspectives of patients, families and physicians differ in this regard across different cultures. Non-disclosure of cancer diagnosis or prognosis is commonly observed in family-centric cultures such as India. Aim: To assess the prevalence of and factors associated with cancer patients’ awareness of advanced disease status; and its with quality of life and psychological distress. Methods: Patients for this cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey were recruited from oncology and palliative medicine clinics at a tertiary cancer hospital in India from January 2017 to June 2018. Patients aged ≥ 21 years, aware of cancer diagnosis and receiving oncology treatment for Stage IV solid cancer were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. Results: Two hundred patients were enrolled, of which 146 (73%) were not aware of the stage of their malignancy and 9 (4.5%) believed that their disease was at stage I, II or III. Those who were aware of their advanced cancer stage had more years of education (9.9 years vs 8.1 years, p = .05) and had poorer spiritual wellbeing in the faith domain (adjusted difference −1.6, 95% confidence interval −3.1 to −0.1, p = .03) compared to those who were unaware. Conclusion: It is recommended that future studies may explore prognostic understanding in Indian patients according to their socio-cultural, spiritual and educational background.


Author(s):  
Naina Vishwakarma

Geriatric problems are arising much and more in the present Era. With the increase in average life-span due to medical facilities it resulted in large number of people with old age Worldwide. To overcome this Ayurved advocates healthy ageing through Rasayan Chikitsa. By proper administration of Rasayan Therapy as a preventive tool one can prevent Jarajanit(Geriatic) vyadhis. Many herbs and techniques which provide solution to ageing and their complications are described in Ayurved. The Herbs with their properties slows down the natural process of aging and help in managing geriatric problem and improving the quality of life. Here   Amalaki an Rasayan Dravya in Geriatric diseases is brought in focus.


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