Elucidating emotional closeness within the Theory of Health-Related Family Quality of Life: evidence from breast cancer survivors

• Published in: BMC research notes 2019-06, Vol.12 (1), p.312-312, Article 312
• Main Authors: Elise Radina, M, Deer, Briana L, Herriman, Rachael A, Jagpal, Anjana, Dodd, Mallory M, Kawamura, Kaylie L, Clark, Lindsay C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Breast cancer; Cancer diagnosis; Cancer patients; Cancer research; Cancer survivors; Care and treatment; Communication; Data analysis; Decision making; Diagnosis; Emotions; Families & family life; Family; Family life; Family relations; Funding; Health aspects; Information management; Psychological aspects; Qualitative methodology; Qualitative research; Quality of life; Research Note; Social interactions; Social Support; Studies; Survival; Theory; Womens health
• ISSN: 1756-0500; 1756-0500
• DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4354-5

Due to the increasing survivorship of breast cancer, survivor's view of their families through the process of diagnosis and treatment is essential. The Theory of Health-related Family Quality of Life (HRFQoL) guided this exploration of the ways in which breast cancer impacts family life. In this study, HRFQoL was used to explore breast cancer survivors' perceptions of the theory's sub-concepts of psychological and/or affectional closeness, family communication, and social support. The guiding research question was: In what ways do breast cancer survivors describe their experiences regarding changes in emotional closeness among family members following their breast cancer diagnosis? Participants (N = 22) were interviewed to discuss their experiences with breast cancer, family quality of life, decision-making, basic health information, and personal coping. Data were analyzed using NVivo 9 to conduct thematic analysis and consensual qualitative data analysis. Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer improved the majority of participants' HRFQoL. Participants who reported positive perceptions prior to diagnosis also reported positive perceptions after diagnosis. These findings elucidate the HRFQoL theory and contribute to understanding how breast cancer impacts family life.