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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Linda Sharp, James O'HaraORCiD, Jennifer DeaneORCiD, Dr Fiona MengerORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
© 2024 The AuthorsPurpose: People living with head and neck cancer (HNC) often endure permanent and life changing adverse effects of treatment and reduced health-related quality of life. Study of post-traumatic growth (PTG), is gaining traction to understand why some people living with cancer have better psychosocial outcomes than others. Current theoretical models on PTG point to the importance of ‘socio-cultural influences’ but do not provide insight into how such socio-cultural factors influence survivorship outcomes. This research aimed to illuminate pathways to PTG following HNC by exploring socio-cultural factors in experiences of living with, and moving on from, HNC. Method: Semi-structured interviews with people living with HNC (up to 5 years post-treatment) on experiences of diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Qualitative framework analysis using the environmental factors codes from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) HNC core set. Results: 20 people living with HNC were interviewed (11 male, 9 female; aged 46–83 years). Four inter-related themes described socio-cultural factors that influence (positively and/or negatively) the experience of living with HNC: (1) people and places; (2) healthcare systems and support services; (3) societal attitudes to cancer; (4) work and finances. Conclusion: Support from family, friends and healthcare professionals, as well as societal attitudes, financial and work security and personal experiences all appear to contribute to an individuals’ ability to navigate the HNC experience. These findings could inform development of interventions targeting the socio-cultural factors in the lives of people living with HNC, particularly for those at risk for poorer psycho-social outcomes.
Author(s): Watson L-J, Sharp L, Patterson JM, Fisher P, O'Hara J, Deane J, Menger F
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: European Journal of Oncology Nursing
Year: 2024
Volume: 72
Print publication date: 01/10/2024
Online publication date: 05/08/2024
Acceptance date: 31/07/2024
Date deposited: 02/09/2024
ISSN (print): 1462-3889
ISSN (electronic): 1532-2122
Publisher: Elsevier
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102682
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102682
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