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Family problems during cancer chemotherapy
C Jansen1, P Halliburton, S Dibble
1California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco.
Oncology Nursing Forum
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Cancer diagnosis creates significant family problems, with health concerns being the most frequent issue reported by patients and their relatives throughout chemotherapy. This research details the family cancer experience.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Family Studies
- Psychosocial Oncology
Background:
- Cancer diagnosis impacts the entire family system.
- Limited research exists on the specific challenges families face when a member has cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe the types of problems experienced by families coping with a member's cancer diagnosis.
- To understand the prevalence and nature of family problems during chemotherapy.
Main Methods:
- A semistructured interview, the Problem Centered Family Coping Interview, was utilized.
- Interviews were conducted with adult cancer patients (n=100) and their family members (n=126) at three time points: 1.5 weeks, 7.5 weeks, and 6 months post-chemotherapy initiation.
- Content analysis of interview data was performed using empirically based categories.
Main Results:
- Families reported an average of 3.4 problems per month, ranging from one to eight.
- Cancer-related health concerns constituted 48%-52% of identified family problems across all interview periods.
- Consistent identification of health concerns highlights their persistent impact on families.
Conclusions:
- Family members and patients experience a range of problems following a cancer diagnosis.
- Cancer-related health concerns are a primary and persistent source of difficulty for families undergoing chemotherapy.
- Findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted family cancer experience.