Social consequences of advanced cancer in patients and their informal caregivers: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Cancer threatens the social well-being of patients and their informal caregivers. Social life is even more profoundly affected in advanced diseases, but research on social consequences of advanced cancer is scarce. This study aims to explore social consequences of advanced cancer as experienced by patients and their informal caregivers.

Methods

Seven focus groups and seven in-depth semi-structured interviews with patients (n = 18) suffering from advanced cancer and their informal caregivers (n = 15) were conducted. Audiotapes were transcribed verbatim and open coded using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Social consequences were categorized in three themes: "social engagement," "social identity," and "social network." Regarding social engagement, patients

SUBMITTER: van Roij J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6394690 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature