Perceived Benefits and Psychosocial Outcomes of a Brief Existential Family Intervention for Cancer Patients/Survivors

2011 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Garlan ◽  
Lisa D. Butler ◽  
Ernest Rosenbaum Alison Siegel ◽  
David Spiegel
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Family Cohesion ◽  
Family Intervention ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Intense Fear ◽  
The Family ◽  
Serious Injury

This study assessed a range of benefits from participation in a brief existential intervention consisting of a semi-structured videotaped interview with cancer patients and their families designed to illuminate a life legacy for the family (the Life Tape Project [LTP]). Results indicated the majority reported intervention-specific benefits, especially in the areas of symbolic immortality (passing on personal values and philosophy), self-reflection and growth, and improved family cohesion and communication. Participants, particularly those who had perceived their cancer as a threat of death, serious injury, or threat to their physical integrity, and responded with intense fear or helplessness, also reported more general reductions in mood disturbance, improvements in aspects of well-being (including overall quality of life), satisfaction with the understanding they received, and enhanced cancer-related posttraumatic growth. In short, the LTP is a brief, inexpensive, existential intervention that can yield broad positive psychosocial changes for a majority of participants.

Posttraumatic growth as a factor of psychological well-being of parents of children with autism

2020 ◽  
Vol 588 (3) ◽  
pp. 26-37
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Buchholz ◽  
Mariola Wolan-Nowakowska
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Trends ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
The Family ◽  
Salutogenic Model

Contemporary research trends in area of social support of people jeopardised or afflicted by a trauma are focused on analysis of salutogenic model. It describes resources, strengths and potential of individuals, which enables them to overcome (oppose) the consequences of encountered crisis. The article presents phenomenon of posttraumatic growth of parents of children, who suffer from autism. Preventive strategies, which are adopted by such parents, are indicated by the authors. It occurs that however demanding disability of a child can be for the family, it might also be the source of emotional and spiritual changes in personality of parents. Such predicament can lead to improvement in quality of life.

scholarly journals The Association of Sources of Support, Types of Support and Satisfaction with Support Received on Perceived Stress and Quality of Life of Cancer Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153473542199490
Author(s):  
Iván Ruiz-Rodríguez ◽  
Isabel Hombrados-Mendieta ◽  
Anabel Melguizo-Garín ◽  
Mª José Martos-Méndez
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Multidimensional Analysis ◽  
Informational Support ◽  
Cancer Data ◽  
The Family

Introduction: The aim of the present study is to carry out a multidimensional analysis of the relationship of social support with quality of life and the stress perceived by cancer patients. Methods: The participants were 200 patients with cancer. Data was gathered on sociodemographic characteristics, health, quality of life, social support and perceived stress. Results: Frequency of and satisfaction with different sources and types of support are related positively with improvement of quality of life and negatively with perceived stress. The emotional support from the partner and the emotional and informational support from the family are significant predictors of quality of life. Emotional support from the family reduces patients’ perceived stress. Satisfaction with emotional support from the partner and with the informational support from friends and family increases quality of life. Satisfaction with emotional support from the family and with informational support from friends decreases patients’ perceived stress. Instrumental support and support provided by health professionals are not good predictors of quality of life and perceived stress. Satisfaction with the support received is more significantly related with quality of life and stress than the frequency with which the sources provide support. Conclusions: These results have important practical implications to improve cancer patients’ quality of life and reduce their perceived stress through social support. Designing intervention strategies to improve satisfaction with the support provided to patients by their closest networks results in a global benefit for the patient’s quality of life.

scholarly journals Sterilization regret in India: Is quality of care a matter of concern?

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anjali Bansal ◽  
Laxmi Kant Dwivedi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Family Planning ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Public Health Facility ◽  
The Family ◽  
Planning Methods

Abstract Background According to United Nations, 19% of females in the world relied only on the permanent method of family planning, with 37% in India according to NFHS-4. Limited studies tried to measure the sterilization regret, and its correlated factors. The study tried to explore the trend of sterilization regret in India from 1992 to 2015 and to elicit the determining effects of various factors on sterilization regret, especially in context to perceived quality of care in the sterilization operations and type of providers. Data and methods The pooled data from NFHS-1, NFHS-3 and NFHS-4 was used to explore the regret by creating interaction between time and all the predictors. Predicted probabilities were calculated to show the trend of sterilization regret amounting to quality of care, type of health provider at the three time periods. Results The sterilization regret was increased from 5 % in NFHS-1 to 7 % in NFHS-4. According to NFHS-4, for those whose sterilization was performed in private health facility the regret was found to be less (OR-0.937; 95% CI- (0.882–0.996)) compared to public health facility. Also, the results show a two-fold increase in regret when women reported bad quality of care. The results from predicted probabilities provide enough evidence that the regret due to bad quality of care in sterilization operation had increased with each subsequent round of NFHS. Conclusion Many socio-economic and demographic factors have influenced the regret, but the poor quality of care contributed maximum to the regret from 1992 to 2015. The health facilities have seriously strayed from improving the health and well-being of women in providing the family planning methods. In addition, to public facilities, the regret amounting to private facilities have also increased from NFHS-1 to 4. The quality of care provided in the family planning operation should be standardized in every hospital to strengthen the health systems in the country. The couple should be motivated to adopt more of spacing methods.

scholarly journals Comparison of the Quality of Life of Patients with Breast or Colon Cancer with an Arm Vein Port (TIVAD) Versus a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 1495-1506
Author(s):  
Brent Burbridge ◽  
Hyun Lim ◽  
Lynn Dwernychuk ◽  
Ha Le ◽  
Tehmina Asif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Venous Access ◽  
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter ◽  
Central Catheter ◽  
Access Device ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Venous Access Device

Introduction: Venous access is a crucial element in chemotherapy delivery. It remains unclear whether cancer patients prefer a port to a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Our study aimed to assess cancer patients’ satisfaction with their venous access device and to compare the quality of life (QoL) of subjects with a PICC to those with a port. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, EORTC QLQ-C30, and a locally developed quality of life survey (QLAVD), designed to assess satisfaction with venous access devices, were administered to breast or colorectal cancer patients over a one-year period following the device insertion. Mixed effects models were used to assess changes on mean scores at different time points. Results: A total of 101 patients were recruited over a three-year period, (PICC group, n = 50; port group, n = 51). Survey response rates for months one and three were 72% and 48%, respectively. Overall, no significant differences were noted between the two groups in relation to EORTC QOL. At three months, the mean pain scores were 3.5 ± 2.3 for the port and 1.3 ± 0.75 for PICC (<0.001). The mean score for a negative effect of the venous access device on psychosocial well-being was 6.0 ± 4.1 for PICC and 3.0 ± 2.7 for the port (p = 0.005). Complications related to PICCs occurred in 38% patients versus 41% with a port (p > 0.24). Conclusions: Although subjects with a port experienced more pain during the device insertion or access for chemotherapy, it had a smaller negative impact on psychosocial scores than the PICC. No significant differences in complications rates were observed between the two devices.

L'Impatto Della Patologia Neoplastica Sullo Stato di Benessere Del Paziente

1998 ◽  
Vol 84 (1_suppl1) ◽  
pp. S20-S23
Author(s):  
Enrico Cortesi ◽  
E. Ballatori ◽  
P. Casali ◽  
E. Cortesi ◽  
M. Costantini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Family Relationship ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Common Interest ◽  
Careful Study ◽  
Medical Environment ◽  
Disease Information

The peculiar characteristics of the italian neoplastic patients, as far as their knowledge concerning the disease (information, prognosis, therapeutic options, etc) and the different cultural, environmental and health realities, place different problems on the routine application of the quality of life questionnaires wich were constructed and edited in North European or North American Countries, even if correctly translated and validated in Italy. The QVonc (Quality of Life in Oncology) Project started five years ago from the common interest of medical oncologists who felt the need to make a careful study on some aspects regarding the evaluation of italian patient's quality of life. A multidisciplinary working group, comprehensive of statisticians, epidemiologists, psychologists, nurses and methodologists, was then put together. During the last three years the Group produced a deep analysis of the different aspects and determinants of the italian patient's quality of life, mainly about their disease and medical environment perception. A prospective research was started in 1995 with the aims of identifying the contents of quality of life, using a sample of cancer patients as “experts” and of measuring the relevance of selected contents in different subgroups of patients. In the first study the quality of life dimensions were analysed as perceived from 248 neoplastic patients, uniformely and randomly distributed for pathology and place of residence in Italy, through an open questionnaire and interviews conducted by our psychologists. Some peculiar aspects of the quality of life perception in italian patients were evidenced: relationship with the family, with the medical team and health facilities, economic problems and occupational difficulties. The study confirmed that the information on the contents of quality of life can be derived only studying people suffering the specific disease and cast a doubt on the available QL instruments currently used. The second study evaluated the quality of life perception in 6939 consecutive cancer patients referred in the second week of July 1996 to 79 Italian medical oncology/radiotherapy Institutions. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire concerning the importance of 46 domains of QL, each one scored on 4 levels (not at all, a little, much and very much). Domains were derived from a previous content analysis of 268 pts answers to 4 questions related to their own QL: “in your experience, what is QL?”, “what is a bad QL?”, “what is a good QL?”, “Did the diagnosis and treatment received modify your QL?”. 6939 patients entered the study; of these, 820 (11.8%) did not fill out the questionnaire due to various reasons. Among the 6,119 evaluable pts, the most frequent cancers were: breast (2,328), colo-rectal (968), lung (517), lymphoma (351), gastric (225). The most frequently chosen domains (much or very much) were related to health facilities or communication between patient-physician/nurse. Family relationship and general well being were also found important, while from the negative perspective the presence of the disease and the related anxiety were the most relevant problems. In conclusion, when choosing or constructing QL instruments, at least for Italian cancer pts, factors such as health facilities and pt ‘- physician/nurse relationship should be more adequately considered. Most currently used QL questionnaires are probably lacking in this regard.

scholarly journals Experiencing and overcoming financial stress in married couples: A study in COVID 19 pandemic era

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (42) ◽  
pp. 124-140
Author(s):  
Iryna P. Yakymchuk ◽  
Serhii M. Olkhovetskyi ◽  
Ilona V. Rashkovska ◽  
Halyna M. Bevz ◽  
Maryna O. Martseniuk
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Family Cohesion ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Family System ◽  
Coping Behavior ◽  
Financial Stress ◽  
Married Couples ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Coping ◽  
The Family

The article analyzes interaction of spouses in overcoming financial stress. An online survey of 136 married couples was conducted during the lockdown caused by the spread of COVID-19 accompanied by family income losses. Frequency and severity of discussions on financial topics; level of subjective economic well-being, activity of coping strategies, family cohesion and adaptation were measured. Results showed that the discussion of financial topics is a stressor for married couples, accompanied by contradictions and conflicts, but ultimately helps to improve quality of relations between spouses, and also increases the adaptability of the family system in a situation of socio-economic crisis. Subjects of conflicts were defined. Influence of gender roles on financial consciousness and behavior was shown. Wives are more likely to initiate discussions on economic topics and more inclined to economic anxiety, while husbands showed economic optimism. The severity of financial stress correlates with assessments of family cohesion. Correlations between financial well-being and coping behavior of husbands and wives represent the family as an entire open system. Partners are interdependent in overcoming financial stress. Collective family coping is determined by individual reactions of spouses. The efforts of partners can be congruent and complementary.

scholarly journals Key Factors Contributing to Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Patients in Latvia: Supplementing Quantitative Surveys with Qualitative Interviews

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnese Dzērvīte ◽  
Maruta Pranka ◽  
Tana Lace ◽  
Ritma Rungule ◽  
Edvins Miklasevics ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Key Factors

Summary Introduction. Health related quality of life is a much debated topic in medicine with much quantitative and qualitative research contributing to the understanding of how to improve the lives of patients, yet little has been published in relation to the quality of life of Latvian breast cancer patients. Aim of the Study. To gather base measurements of subjective and objective quality of life factors for breast cancer patients in Latvia and discover which key factors contribute most to quality of life of Latvian breast cancer patients at the start of treatment. Materials and Methods. This paper presents data collected from April 2010 to June 2011 at the Pauls Stradins Clinical University hospital on key factors influencing quality of life for breast cancer patients: health and physical well-being; state of surroundings and environment; social support and functionality; financial state, employment and leisure. Quantitative survey material has been supplemented with insight from qualitative in-depth interviews to better explain the objective and subjective implications for breast cancer patients’ quality of life. Results. Interviewed breast cancer patients rated their quality of life as being average or good at the beginning of treatment. Negative factors contributing to lowered quality of life were mainly linked to patient financial, social and emotional state at the first weeks of treatment and correspond to previous research done in Latvia on quality of life issues. Conclusions. Further follow-up surveys will contribute to the evaluation of breast cancer patients’ needs while undergoing treatment to further improve treatment strategies, especially if validated quality of life measurement surveys were to be implemented in Latvian hospitals.

Quality of Life and Well-Being of Breast Cancer Patients

2020 ◽  
pp. 67-94
Author(s):  
Melisa Anderson ◽  
Dwayne Tucker ◽  
Fabian G. Miller ◽  
Kurt Vaz ◽  
Lennox Anderson-Jackson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Physical Aspect ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Malignant Breast

Breast cancer is a disease in which there is increased proliferation of malignant breast cells. This disease is more likely to begin in the ducts or lobules rather than the connective tissue. Globally, breast cancer is the most regularly diagnosed cancer. It is also a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in females. While cancer of the breast affects the physical aspect of patients, it can also negatively impact the quality of life (QoL) of survivors. There is a dearth of information, especially in the last decade, on the negative impact of breast cancer and treatment modalities on the QoL of patients. This review of the literature will examine the QoL and well-being of breast cancer patients to present a current perspective on the topic. Major findings of past and present articles that have contributed to improving the care of breast cancer patients will be summarized and included.

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