Patterns of confidant use among patients and spouses in the year after breast cancer

We describe the frequency of, satisfaction with, and characteristics associated with confidant use among patients and their spouse in the year after diagnosis of non-metastatic breast cancer.

In a prospective study of 308 women diagnosed in 1996-97 in Quebec and their spouses, participants were interviewed about confidant use 2 weeks, 3 and 12 months after treatment start. Study completion among eligible individuals was high (patients, 86%; spouses, 84%).

Compared to before diagnosis when 55% of patients reported confiding in >or=1 individuals, 84% reported confiding since diagnosis when interviewed 2 weeks after treatment start (prevalence ratio (PR(2 weeks)) = 1.43, p < 0.0001). Spouses reported a greater increase in confiding (PR(2 weeks) = 1.97, p < 0.0001). Nonetheless, spouses were significantly less likely to report confidant use at any given time (PRs comparing spouses to patients: range 0.43-0.61). The primary confidant types with increases were nurses (both couple members) and physicians (patients). Most patients and spouses (84% to 93%) were satisfied with their confidant situation. At 3 months, the woman's having >or=2 types of adjuvant therapy predicted greater confidant use in both partners.

Judging from the relative differences in confidant use, the effect of diagnosis of non-metastatic breast cancer on natural support-seeking behaviour over time is at least as strong among spouses as among their wives.

The majority of women and their spouses appear satisfied with their confidant situation, even in the first months after diagnosis when this type of support-seeking behaviour increased in both partners.