Abstract

Objectives

As a formative investigation toward the development of a supportive care intervention for male caregivers, this study explored the emotional impact, unmet needs and challenges experienced by men when caring for a woman with breast cancer.

Design

A cross-sectional mixed methods study, with an online survey and interviews.

Sample

A total of 89 participants completed the survey, of whom 13 completed interviews. The majority (93%) of participants were husbands of care recipients; of the care recipients, 75% had early stage breast cancer and 45% were diagnosed over 5 years ago.

Method

Participants completed questionnaires assessing their emotional wellbeing, unmet needs and biopsychosocial challenges, with a sub-sample participating in subsequent interviews to elaborate on survey responses.

Findings

Emotional difficulty was reported by <25% of the sample, and 83% reported experiencing at least one unmet need (M = 81.5, SD = 33.2). Of the 39 biopsychosocial challenges presented, 100%, 86% and 73% reported “ever experiencing,” “currently experiencing,” and “ever needing help,” respectively. Interviewed participants echoed the most reported needs and challenges as changes to sex life, fear of recurrence and lack of practical information.

Conclusions

Male cancer caregivers experience diverse challenges and require psychological support and practical information using both online and offline approaches to support their caregiving responsibilities.

Implications for Psychosocial Providers

Healthcare professionals can support male caregivers by: being aware of their information and psycho-social needs; directing caregivers to online interventions for additional information; and facilitating the provision of online psycho-sexual and FCR support.

中文翻译：

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男性视角：关于护理乳腺癌女性的影响、未满足的需求和挑战的混合方法研究

摘要

目标

作为为男性护理人员制定支持性护理干预措施的形成性调查，本研究探讨了男性在护理患有乳腺癌的女性时所经历的情绪影响、未满足的需求和挑战。

设计

一项横断面混合方法研究，包括在线调查和访谈。

样本

共有 89 名参与者完成了调查，其中 13 人完成了访谈。大多数 (93%) 的参与者是受照顾者的丈夫；在接受护理的人中，75% 患有早期乳腺癌，45% 是在 5 年前确诊的。

方法

参与者完成了评估他们的情绪健康、未满足的需求和生物心理社会挑战的问卷，一个子样本参与了随后的访谈，以详细说明调查反应。

发现

不到 25% 的样本报告了情绪困难，83% 的报告称经历过至少一种未满足的需求（M = 81.5，SD = 33.2）。在提出的 39 项生物心理社会挑战中，分别有 100%、86% 和 73% 报告“曾经经历过”、“目前正在经历”和“曾经需要帮助”。受访者回应了报告最多的需求和挑战，如性生活的改变、对复发的恐惧和缺乏实用信息。

结论

男性癌症护理人员面临着各种各样的挑战，需要使用在线和离线方法来支持他们的护理责任的心理支持和实用信息。

对心理社会提供者的影响

医疗保健专业人员可以通过以下方式支持男性护理人员： 了解他们的信息和社会心理需求；指导护理人员在线干预以获取更多信息；并促进提供在线性心理和 FCR 支持。