Psychological-Distress Factors in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Breast cancer patients frequently experience psychological distress throughout diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, significantly impacting their quality of life.
• Qualitative research provides in-depth understanding of these patient experiences to inform better medical care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize qualitative research findings on psychological distress in breast cancer patients.
• To identify and clarify the causes and contributing factors of this distress.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.
• Included studies focused on psychological distress experiences of breast cancer patients.
• Data synthesis employed the Thomas and Harden method of thematic and content analysis, with quality appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool.

Main Results:

• Thirteen qualitative studies were included in the meta-synthesis.
• Four major themes emerged: diagnostic and therapeutic factors, individual characteristics, environmental influences, and interpersonal dynamics.
• These factors interact to shape the subjective experience of psychological distress.

Conclusions:

• Psychological distress in breast cancer patients is a complex, subjective experience influenced by a combination of individual, therapeutic, environmental, and interpersonal factors.
• Optimizing management requires careful consideration of patient characteristics and their external environment within routine nursing care.
• Interventions should be stage-specific and tailored to the unique causes of distress at different points in the breast cancer journey.