Journal of Health And Care
Volume 27, Issue 2 (Summer 2025)
JHC 2025, 27(2): 189-202 |
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Ethics code: IR.IAU.K.REC.1403.073
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Arabi A, Firoozi M, Madani Y, Farahani H. Lived Experiences of Spouses of Colorectal Cancer Patients after Colectomy: A Phenomenological Study. JHC 2025; 27 (2) :189-202
URL: http://hcjournal.arums.ac.ir/article-1-1600-en.html
URL: http://hcjournal.arums.ac.ir/article-1-1600-en.html
Lived Experiences of Spouses of Colorectal Cancer Patients after Colectomy: A Phenomenological Study
Department of Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (11 Views)
Background: Colorectal cancer and colectomy surgery create profound physical, psychological, and social challenges for patients and their spouses. This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experiences of spouses of colorectal cancer patients after colectomy, emphasizing on meaning-making and psychological adaptation.
Methods: The present study employed a phenomenological approach. The research population consisted of spouses of colorectal cancer patients who had undergone colectomy and were referred to Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran during the second half of 2024. Purposeful sampling was used, and data saturation was achieved after 14 interviews (11 main interviews and 3 confirmatory interviews). Data analysis was performed using Diekelmann et al.'s (1989) method and MAXQDA software, involving three stages: open coding (63 primary codes), axial coding (18 subcategories), and selective coding (6 main categories).
Results: Data analysis identified six main themes, including caregiver burden, identity redefinition, meaning-seeking, support systems, cultural pressures, and mental health. The validity of findings was confirmed through member checking, triangulation, and inter-coder agreement (Cohen's kappa = 0.87).
Conclusion: The findings revealed that spouses of colectomy patients face significant physical, psychological, and social challenges. While caregiver burden, cultural pressures, and mental health disturbances were burdensome, meaning-seeking and social support played key roles in adaptation. The results highlight the necessity of incorporating spiritual-psychological interventions and strengthening support systems in therapeutic planning.
Methods: The present study employed a phenomenological approach. The research population consisted of spouses of colorectal cancer patients who had undergone colectomy and were referred to Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran during the second half of 2024. Purposeful sampling was used, and data saturation was achieved after 14 interviews (11 main interviews and 3 confirmatory interviews). Data analysis was performed using Diekelmann et al.'s (1989) method and MAXQDA software, involving three stages: open coding (63 primary codes), axial coding (18 subcategories), and selective coding (6 main categories).
Results: Data analysis identified six main themes, including caregiver burden, identity redefinition, meaning-seeking, support systems, cultural pressures, and mental health. The validity of findings was confirmed through member checking, triangulation, and inter-coder agreement (Cohen's kappa = 0.87).
Conclusion: The findings revealed that spouses of colectomy patients face significant physical, psychological, and social challenges. While caregiver burden, cultural pressures, and mental health disturbances were burdensome, meaning-seeking and social support played key roles in adaptation. The results highlight the necessity of incorporating spiritual-psychological interventions and strengthening support systems in therapeutic planning.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Psychiatric Nursing
Received: 2024/11/9 | Accepted: 2025/07/15 | Published: 2025/06/23
Received: 2024/11/9 | Accepted: 2025/07/15 | Published: 2025/06/23
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