Perceptions Of Cancer Patients Research Articles

Cancer patients’ perceptions of nursing: Expectations & realities, a phenomenological study

PurposeDetermining the perception and expectations of cancer patients will inform nurses' understanding of how to conduct nursing care to meet patients' needs. Studies have mainly used quantitative methods to understand nursing image from the perspective of the public and the profession, and there are no recent studies to date on nursing image from the perspective of cancer patients. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore cancer patients' experiences and perceptions of nursing within the conceptual framework of Watson's Human Care Theory. MethodsIn total, 19 phenomenological semi-structured interviews were conducted with cancer patients between November 2022 and January 2023. Data were analyzed using Assarroudi et al.'s content analysis. ResultsThree themes emerged from the phenomenological analysis of the interviews: (1) nursing image, (2) expectations, and (3) realities. Patients stated that nurses act as assistants and that health services cannot be provided without them. Under the main theme of ‘expectations,’ five subthemes emerged: psychosocial care, physical care, ethics, individual characteristics, and no expectations, while the theme of ‘realities’ contained two subthemes: (1) satisfaction with nurse behaviors, and (2) dissatisfaction with nurse behaviors. ConclusionsOur study provides important insight for nurses working with cancer patients in the management of patient care and treatment. Empowering cancer nurses will increase patient care satisfaction. We recommend the implementation of programs designed to support nurses and improve nursing communication skills. We also recommend that the technical and psychosocial aspects of nursing care should be considered as a whole.

Perceptions of utilizing a symptom self-management app for breast cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy

PurposeBreast cancer (BC) patients who are undergoing outpatient chemotherapy encounter difficulties in symptom self-management at home. We have developed a mobile app with the support of self-regulation activities and nurse-led social service to empower self-management of BC patients during outpatient chemotherapy. The study aimed to explore the perceptions of breast cancer patients and nurses in utilizing an app with the functions of proactive nursing support and empowerment. MethodsThis is a qualitative study including group interviews with nurses and patients with breast cancer receiving outpatient chemotherapy. A total of eleven patients and five nurses were enrolled from August 2022 to October 2022. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyze the interview transcripts. Main themes and related sub-themes were drawn from the transcripts. ResultsBarriers (the lack of a contractual spirit) and facilitators (social support and native high-adherence) to app usage were identified. Following the six-week program, patients underwent various transformations such as improved health awareness and a tendency to pay more attention to psychological symptoms. This program also led to various changes in the nurses, including a transformation from taking the reactive emergency calls to a proactive approach of incorporating a self-regulation process and social support. ConclusionsThe findings from the group interviews stressed the importance of integrating technology and nursing social support in facilitating patient symptom self-management.

Investigating oral somatosensory perception and oral symptoms of head and neck cancer patients: insights on eating behaviour.

Sensory alterations and oral manifestations are prevalent among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. While taste and smell alterations have been thoroughly investigated, studies on their oral somatosensory perception remain limited. Building upon our previous publication that primarily focused on objective somatosensory measurements, the present work examined self-reported sensory perception, including somatosensation and oral symptoms, in HNC patients and evaluated their link with eating behaviour. A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-reported questionnaires on sensory perception, oral symptoms, sensory-related food preference, and eating behaviour among HNC patients (n = 30). Hierarchical clustering analysis was performed to categorise patients based on their sensory perception. Correlations between oral symptoms score, sensory perception, sensory-related food preference, and eating behaviour were explored. Two distinct sensory profiles of patients were identified: no alteration (n = 14) and alteration (n = 16) group. The alteration group showed decreased preference towards several sensory modalities, especially the somatosensory. Concerning eating behaviour, more patients in the alteration group agreed to negatively connotated statements (e.g. having food aversion and eating smaller portions), demonstrating greater eating difficulties. In addition, several oral symptoms related to salivary dysfunction were reported. These oral symptoms were correlated with sensory perception, sensory-related food preference, and eating behaviour. This study presented evidence demonstrating that sensory alterations in HNC patients are not limited to taste and smell but cover somatosensory perception and are linked to various aspects of eating. Moreover, patients reported experiencing several oral symptoms. Those with sensory alterations and oral symptoms experienced more eating difficulties.

Comprehensive needs, social support, and disease perception in lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the comprehensive needs of lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and to explore the relationships between comprehensive needs and social support and disease perception, moreover, to analyse associated factors of comprehensive needs. The study was conducted in a teaching hospital in Jiaxing Province, China. A total of 141 patients with lung cancer completed a battery of self-report questionnaires, including the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool in Cancer for Patients (CNAT), Social Supportive Rating Scale (SSRS), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), and demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire. The level of comprehensive needs was highest in the domain "medical demand" (42.17 ± 26.57), and the item with the highest level of comprehensive needs was "I need information about the financial support for my medical expenses" (2.00 ± 1.07). Statistically significant correlations were identified between the comprehensive needs score, social support, and disease perception. The multiple regression analysis showed that immunotherapy course, whether irAEs occur, social support, and disease perception were factors influencing patients' comprehensive needs. The most prevalent needs in lung cancer patients were found in the "medical needs" domain. Additionally, immunotherapy course, whether irAEs occur, disease perception, and social support were associated with comprehensive needs among lung cancer patients. It is essential to combine the associated factors to accurately evaluate patient needs. We should pay more attention to proposing the comprehensive measures for these patients and providing more individualized supportive care during the lengthy treatment period.

Experiences of cancer survivors returning to work decision-making: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

Return to work for cancer survivors (CSs) may be challenging, and there is a research gap in integrating the relevant experiences of the return-to-work decision-making process for CSs. Our aim was to synthesize existing qualitative research that integrates the dynamic experiences of CSs in the return-to-work decision-making process and highlights the factors influencing the return-to-work decisions of CSs. We retrieved qualitative studies on a relevant theme published in the PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases since construction to December 2023. Literature screening, quality evaluation, and data analysis followed the PRISMA, Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool (2016), and thematic analysis methods to ensure study reliability. The study was registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023429623). Ten articles were included, and six key outcomes were identified based on Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) integration: points of concern for individuals, sense of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, work perception and belonging, medical advice and guidance, and effects of the external reactions. The decision-making process for CSs to return to work is affected by various personal and external factors. Effectively addressing personal appearance, financial, and emotional issues can enhance self-efficacy of CSs. Improving external perceptions of cancer patients and enhancing social support in the workplace and medical settings can help CSs make informed decisions regarding their return to work. The decision of CSs to return to work is a result of integrating personal, job, and medical care considerations. These findings contribute to the development of future interventions for CSs' return-to-work decisions that target an array of potential factors.

Perception of cancer patients and their attendants during pandemic of COVID-19: an experience from tertiary care center, Pakistan

Introduction: Cancer patients have concerns about treatment during COVID 19 pandemic virus as well as its impact on their health. This survey was conducted to ascertain perception of cancer patients and their attendants during this pandemic.
 Method & Result: This cross sectional study was conducted at Oncology OPD of SIUT, from May 2020 to July 2020 on cancer patients along with their attendants. Among 306 patients, 68.9 % received chemotherapy. In response of each question, 1st one belonged to patients and 2nd was related to attendants. Only positive answers are reported here. For increasing gap of chemotherapy during the pandemic COVID 19, 58.3% vs 38.4% agreed with doctor recommendation. For start of single agent chemotherapy instead of combination regimen, 41% vs 19% agreed. For hospitalization 41.5%, vs 47.7% depicted inclination towards admission whereas for mental health questions, 63.7% vs 51.3% were neither afraid nor had psychological issues 79.7% vs 25.8% respectively. About COVID -19 testing, 66% vs 22.5%wanted to be tested. If results turned out positive, 82.2% vs 24.7% would go in isolation.
 Conclusion: This study provides evidence of perception of cancer patients with their attendants from resource restrained country. Our study confirms that for disease like cancer, fear of the illness is always more paramount then any infection.

Frailty, Illness Perception and Lung Functional Exercise Adherence in Lung Cancer Patients After Thoracoscopic Surgery.

Lung cancer patients will have lung damage after surgery, need rehabilitation exercise. Common-sense model has shown the impact of patients' perception of illness on health behaviors. However, for patients with lung cancer after thoracoscopic surgery, there has been no relevant exploration of disease perception. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical status of patients with lung cancer patients who have undergone thoracoscopic surgery, and to explore the correlation between frailty, disease perception, and lung functional exercise compliance. The cross-sectional study included 218 patients with lung cancer after thoracoscopic surgery. We collected participants' frailty, disease perception, exercise adherence, and relevant clinical information. T-test, Chi-square, Linear regression, Pearson's correlation, and mediation analysis were used for statistical analysis of patient data. We analyzed the data by disease perception with high and low median scores and found significant differences in lymphatic dissection, stool within three days, pain, thoracic drainage tube placement time. Linear regression results show that, after controlling for confounding factors, frailty and disease perception were significantly associated with pulmonary function exercise compliance. The higher the frailty score, the worse the compliance, and the higher the disease perception negative score, the less exercise. Illness perception played a partially mediating role in the association between frailty and lung functional exercise adherence. Frailty and disease perception have an impact on exercise adherence, therefore,we need to consider these factors in the intervention to improve exercise compliance after thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer.

Multi-Institutional Analysis of Cancer Patient Exposure, Perceptions, and Trust in Information Sources Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use during cancer treatment is controversial. We aim to evaluate contemporary CAM use, patient perceptions and attitudes, and trust in various sources of information regarding CAM. A multi-institutional questionnaire was distributed to patients receiving cancer treatment. Collected information included respondents' clinical and demographic characteristics, rates of CAM exposure/use, information sources regarding CAM, and trust in each information source. Comparisons between CAM users and nonusers were performed with chi-squared tests and one-way analysis of variance. Multivariable logistic regression models for trust in physician and nonphysician sources of information regarding CAM were evaluated. Among 749 respondents, the most common goals of CAM use were management of symptoms (42.2%) and treatment of cancer (30.4%). Most CAM users learned of CAM from nonphysician sources. Of CAM users, 27% reported not discussing CAM with their treating oncologists. Overall trust in physicians was high in both CAM users and nonusers. The only predictor of trust in physician sources of information was income >$100,000 in US dollars per year. Likelihood of trust in nonphysician sources of information was higher in females and lower in those with graduate degrees. A large proportion of patients with cancer are using CAM, some with the goal of treating their cancer. Although patients are primarily exposed to CAM through nonphysician sources of information, trust in physicians remains high. More research is needed to improve patient-clinician communication regarding CAM use.

The health information technology preferences and perceptions of newly diagnosed patients with cancer

Background & goalsPatients with new cancer diagnoses have unique needs. In this study, we explored the technological needs and preferences of new cancer patients and the challenges to technology use among these patients. MethodsWe used qualitative data from semi-structured interviews to identify the new cancer patients’ technology preferences. Interviews were recorded and then transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify the technology perceptions of new cancer patients, their technology needs, and the challenges of technology. ResultsMost of the patients preferred mhealth technologies over other types of technologies to be used in their care management. The primary needs related to potential features in these technologies include access to information just in time, convenience, access to home care, self-management, privacy, interaction, and personalization. Patients also reported challenges of current technologies they utilized, including usability, impersonality, interoperability, and cost-effectiveness. ConclusionAddressing patients’ needs to increase uptake and efficient use of technologies in cancer care is critical. Growing clinical and consumer informatics technologies can potentially help cancer management if designed by employing user-centered approaches.

CN60 Dynamics and processes in the perception of colorectal cancer patients facing skin toxicity due to an EGFR-inhibitor

CN60 Dynamics and processes in the perception of colorectal cancer patients facing skin toxicity due to an EGFR-inhibitor

Improving Cancer Care by Incorporating the Patient's Voice in Symptom Management (IMPROVE): A Multicenter-Prospective Pilot Study

IMPROVE is a prospective multicenter pilot study. It evaluates whether routine physician review of patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) during radiotherapy alters physicians' perception of cancer patients' treatment-related toxicity and influences symptom management. We are enrolling patients with thoracic or gastrointestinal cancers amenable to conventional-fractionated radiotherapy. Patients may receive concurrent chemotherapy. Patients report (1) symptoms, using PRO-CTCAE measures, (2) the most burdensome symptom, and (3) how symptoms interfere with daily activities. Patients complete the measures before seeing their physician during each on-treatment visit. During weekly visits and before reviewing the patient's PROMs, physicians rate the symptom burden for each patient from 0 to 10, using available clinical data. These data include vital signs, lab work, physical exams, nursing assessments, and physicians' clinical judgment. After reviewing the patients' PROMs, physicians re-rate each patient's symptom burden and report any changes in recommended interventions. Changes could include (1) additional counseling, (2) new medications or interventions, (3) referrals to other services, or (4) further testing or evaluation. After each patient's course of radiotherapy, providers complete a Clinician Feedback Form about the impact of PROM review on symptom perception and management during treatment. This study commenced November 11, 2020 at a multi-site tertiary academic cancer center (using electronic or paper questionnaires) and July 21, 2021 at a multi-site community cancer center (using paper forms). To be determined. To be determined.

The Effects of Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Make-Up Execution on Appearance Perception and Self-Efficacy of Female Breast Cancer Patients

Purpose: In this study, the effect of the eyebrow semi-permanent makeup procedure was verified by paying attention to the side effects of anti-cancer and the psychological and social burden caused by hair loss that may occur in female breast cancer patients. To this end, the difference in perception of eyebrow semi-permanent makeup, appearance recognition, and self-efficacy before and after eyebrow semi-permanent makeup was analyzed to identify relevance and influence. Through empirical analysis, we expect that our quality of life improvement and protective aesthetic contributions will be repaid. The purpose of this study is to contribute to beauty protection and adaptation to the lives of patients and to obtain useful data for the market expansion of semi-permanent makeup in the industrial aspect.
 Method: This study was conducted on female breast cancer patients suffering from hair loss as a side effect of chemotherapy, and 64 questionnaires were collected for verification of research questions. For empirical statistical analysis, SPSS 25.0 program was used, and frequency analysis and descriptive statistical analysis were used. To identify the difference in effectiveness, t-test and ANOVA were analyzed for the pre- and post-differences. In the statistical analysis, statistical significance was judged based on the significance level of 0.05.
 Results: First, when comparing before and after eyebrow semi-permanent makeup, it was found that appearance awareness and self-efficacy improved significantly from the starting point of eyebrow semi-permanent makeup. Second, as a result of an independent sample t-test analysis to confirm the average difference in major variables according to the location of the current hospital, the difference in appearance perception according to the classification of the metropolitan area and non-metropolitan area was found to be significant. Third, the difference in appearance recognition according to the current health status was significant, and the improvement score was found to be higher in the group with better health.
 Conclusion: The eyebrow semi-permanent makeup procedure is increasing everyone's appearance awareness and self-efficacy, and giving positive effects. This study contributed to expanding the beneficiaries of beauty services not only to the general public but also to female breast cancer patients. Through empirical analysis, it was verified that the eyebrow semi-permanent makeup procedure affects the perception of appearance and the increase in self-efficacy in female breast cancer patients. In the future, based on this study, the eyebrow semi-permanent makeup procedure of female breast cancer patients can be used as useful data in the industrial and policy aspects of beauty service, and it can be expected to have a positive effect on the expansion of the domestic beauty industry and the semi-permanent makeup market.

Relationship between illness perception and family resilience in gynecologic cancer patients: the mediating role of couple illness communication.

To analyze the current family resilience levels of Chinese patients with gynecologic cancer and explore the mediating role of couple illness communication between illness perception and family resilience to facilitate patient adaptation to cancer. A total of 310 patients with gynecologic cancer were selected from the gynecology ward of a tertiary care hospital in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. All participants provided their demographic and clinical information and completed the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), Couples' Illness Communication Scale (CICS), and Family Hardiness Index (FHI). The mediating effect of couple illness communication was analyzed using SPSS26.0 and Amos21.0. The family resilience score of patients with gynecologic cancer was moderate (55.78 ± 8.65). Illness perception was negatively correlated with couple illness communication(p < 0.05) and family resilience(p < 0.01), while couple illness communication was positively correlated with family resilience (p < 0.01). Couple illness communication mediated the relationship between illness perception and family resilience [β = - 0.071; 95% confidence interval: (- 0.127)-(- 0.013)]. The family resilience of patients with gynecologic cancer must be further improved. Since couple illness communication mediates the relationship between illness perception and family resilience in this population, it is important to improve patients' illness perceptions and couple illness communication to enhance their family resilience.

Assessment of Cancer Patients' Relatives' Knowledge, Perception, and Attitude Toward Cancer.

Background Assessment of cancer patients' relatives' knowledge, perception, and attitude regarding cancer. To spread awareness aboutoral cancer in areas with a high prevalence of cancer, aid in its prevention, and accelerate the treatment to facilitate early-stage disease elimination and improve prognosis. Material and methods A cross-sectional study conducted at a hospital was done, where 23 questions were posed to the relatives of the patients admitted to the hospital. The questions were formulated to assess the knowledge of relatives regarding cancer, their perception, and their attitude toward the decision-making and treatment protocols. The questions also included information about the patient's habits andassociated problems with it. A total of 400 relatives participated in the study, where all participants were adequately informed beforehand, and their written consent was taken before proceeding with the questions. All the questions were formulated in the native language that they could easily understand. Result The study found that participants had limited knowledge about the causes, treatment, prevention, and recurrence of oral cancer. Additionally, the family members were unsupportive of therapy anddelayed seeking medical care. Conclusion It is crucial to raise awareness about oral cancer and inform individuals about available treatments, government programs, and counseling services to aid them in decision-making.

Risk perception and avoidance of preventive behavior on the COVID‐19 among cancer patients

AbstractBackground and AimsWillingness to engage in preventive behaviors against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) depends on people's risk perception. This is especially important in cancer patients who are at risk of complications from the disease. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate avoidance of COVID‐19 preventive behavior of in cancer patients.MethodsThis cross‐sectional analytical study was done with 200 cancer patients who were selected by convenience sampling method. The study was conducted in Imam Khomeini Hospital of Ardabil, Iran from July to August 2020. A researcher‐made questionnaire was used to investigate the risk perception of cancer patients towards COVID‐19 with seven subscales according to the Extended Parallel Process Model. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 using Pearson correlation and linear regression tests.ResultsThe mean and standard deviation of the age of 200 participants (including 109 men and 91 women) was 48 ± 17. Results showed that the response efficacy (12.6 ± 2.2) had the highest mean and defensive avoidance (8 ± 2.8) had the lowest mean score among EPPM constructs. Linear regression results showed that fear (β = 0.242, p &gt; 0.001), and perceived severity (β = 0.191, p = 0.008) were significant predictors of defensive avoidance.ConclusionPerceived severity and fear were significant predictors of defensive avoidance, and providing accurate and reliable news and information can be effective in reducing fear and promoting preventive behaviors.

Radiotherapy service amidst COVID-19: Experience from Tertiary Referral Hospital in Semarang, Indonesia.

Several changes in hospital policies took place to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the patient's perception to these abrupt changes in medical services is not known. This study analyzed the quality of radiotherapy service during the COVID-19 pandemic and the patient's perception of them. This descriptive study will qualitatively assess cancer patient perception of the quality of radiotherapy service during COVID-19 pandemic. Willing participants were given a questionnaire that explore two major aspects: the patient's general knowledge of COVID-19 and their perception of radiotherapy service during the pandemic. The 145 participants of this study were generally well-informed about the significance of COVID-19 pandemic. Most respondents claimed to adequately practice preventive measures and put high regards in personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by them and healthcare workers for their safety. Their level of trust to all healthcare workers remained high and identified hospital announcements (television, brochures) educated them the most in regards to the relationship of COVID-19 and cancer. The changes in hospital policies and radiation oncology service in our institution were well-received by the study population. Despite the majority of respondents were afraid and anxious of being infected of COVID-19 while undergoing treatment, only a minority of them contemplated to delay or completely stop going for treatment. By adhering to major guidelines and adjustments of local resources, the delivery of radiotherapy service can remain consistent during the pandemic.

Association between Phase Angle and Subjective Perceptions of Health Variables in Cancer Patients.

The phase angle, an increasingly studied healthcare tool, was studied to explore its relationship with psychological factors in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the phase angle (PhA), obtained by the bioimpedance analysis of body composition, and psychological factors measured by questionnaire in cancer patients. The study included 311 patients who underwent bioimpedance testing to determine their PhA value; their psychological profiles were assessed using SF-36, FACIT, QLQ-C30, and GHQ-12 questionnaires. Mixed linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between PhA and the psychological tests. The results showed a statistical correlation between PhA and the GHQ-12, FACIT, and SF-36 questionnaires, with higher PhA values associated with better results on the questionnaires. In the QLQ-C30 questionnaire, a correlation was observed between PhA and the functioning scales (p < 0.001), except for emotional and cognitive functioning (p = 0.148 and p = 0.544, respectively), but not in most of the symptom scales. The PhA is a useful tool for assessing the subjective health perception of cancer patients, especially with regard to psychological factors. While there is a statistically significant correlation, further research is required before confidently applying it in clinical practice. The current predictive value of this predictor for certain psychological aspects is limited, underscoring the need for additional research.

Readiness for return-to-work model-based analysis of return-to-work perception of young and middle-aged colorectal cancer patients with stoma in the early postoperative period: a descriptive qualitative study.

With an increase in the number of young and middle-aged colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with stoma, understanding their perception about return to work (RTW) in the early postoperative period can guide medical professionals to provide appropriate rehabilitation strategies, which can eventually improve patients' readiness for return to work (RRTW) and enable them to achieve final rehabilitation. The present study aimed to investigate the RTW-related perceptions and considerations of young and middle-aged CRC patients with stoma after surgery. From 2021 to 2022, we conducted a basic interpretive qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 17 CRC patients with stoma in two grade 3A hospitals in China. This study was based on the RRTW model. Data collection was continued until data saturation was reached, and all data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by Colaizzi's phenomenological method. The following three key themes were identified: (1) self-efficacy; (2) decision balance; and (3) change process. Eight subthemes were formulated that were included within the respective main themes. In light of the current low self-efficacy and unsatisfactory willingness of patients with stoma about RTW, we suggest that medical staff should implement cognitive intervention and supportive interventions to improve self-efficacy, actively enhance the motivation of patients for RTW, and simultaneously resolve the pertinent difficulties; this could help patients to accept the positive change process and enable their successful transition from a change process to RTW.

The lived experience of colorectal cancer patients with a temporary ileostomy and the patient’s perception of the ostomy nurses’ educational interventions

This study is aimed at exploring the lived experiences of colorectal cancer patients regarding temporary ileostomy and the educational interventions of ostomy nurses. This study is conducted using Heideggerian phenomenological focus group. Focus group interviews were conducted from November 2021 to February 2022 using a semi-structured guide with nine colorectal cancer patients having a temporary ileostomy. The interview data were analyzed using latent content analysis RESULTS: Four main categories and 13 sub-categories are identified as the result of data analysis. Main categories were "colorectal cancer and ileostomy: patient's adaptation," "supporting resources for the patient with ileostomy," "ileostomy closure: hope and concerns," and "ostomy nurse's professionalism." The main categories reflect the shared experiences and perceptions of colorectal cancer patients, across the timeline from colorectal cancer diagnosis to ileostomy closure. This study provides a timely response to a pilot project for recognizing ostomy nurse's education for patients with stomas. Also, the findings of this study contribute to nursing knowledge by providing patients' perspectives on the education provided to them by the ostomy nurse. Lastly, this study inspires future studies to evaluate and recognize ostomy nurse's practice by using various methodological approaches.

"Who am I?" A qualitative meta-synthesis of Chemotherapy-induced alopecia and body image perception in breast cancer patients.

Since alopecia may be the first physical evidence and sign of cancer diagnosis and treatment, it may have a more serious and challenging effect on a woman than the loss of breast tissue. The purpose of this study was to summarize the current qualitative research which explores the body image perceptions of breast cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced alopecia. We searched three electronic databases and reviewed studies from December 2011 to December 2021 for qualitative results analysing the experiences of women with breast cancer and chemotherapy-induced alopecia. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical (JBI) appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the targeted studies. The Meta-synthesis process developed by Sandelowski and Barroso was used to collect and analyse the data. We discovered two main and five sub-themes from the meta-synthesis findings of 11 qualitative studies involving 225 women. The main themes were "I am not comfortable in this body" and "Who am I?". The first main theme revealed patients' intense reactions to their hair loss: "I'm in emotional chaos", "I am looking for a place to hide" and "I knew it and now I'm experiencing it".The second main theme of "Who am I?" contained two sub-themes: "What did my hair take from my femininity when it was gone?" and "Will I lose my partner after my hair?". Meta-synthesis provided an up-to-date and integrated interpretation of scientific results about the experiences of women with breast cancer, alopecia, and their body image perceptions. This interpretation will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the alopecia-body image relationship. Thus, the aim of the meta-synthesis results is that these will contribute to nurses' understanding of how alopecia, although a temporary symptom, affects women's perceptions of body image.