The Experiences and Needs of Younger Couples Affected by Prostate Cancer: a Qualitative Study

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is often referred to as an illness affecting ‘older men, however the prevalence amongst younger men (aged ≤65) is rising. Illness- related stressors impact upon both members of the couple (man with PCa and partner/wife), and on their relationships, yet little is known about how younger couples are affected. This thesis aimed to explore the experiences and needs of younger couples affected by PCa, with a view to informing intervention development and service provision. Methods: Participants were recruited from respondents to a national study (Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (LAPCD)), who indicated on the LAPCD questionnaire their willingness to be interviewed. Qualitative, semi-structured telephone interviews were separately conducted with twenty-eight couples (56 participants). Data were analysed using the Framework Method. Findings: Couples’ experienced transitions due to the impact of PCa in their relationships, parental and familial roles, work and finances. Connections with other people and social activities were also sometimes affected. Couples experienced challenges navigating their way through treatment decision making and finding the information and support they needed. Couples’ engaged in a range of different strategies and behaviours which influenced their adjustment to PCa and subsequently impacted upon the evolution of their identity as a couple. Conclusions: This thesis has made a new contribution to knowledge by identifying the many challenges younger couples affected by PCa experience and describing their adjustment processes. Two key areas where support should be directed to younger couples were identified: 1) couple focused support programme to foster relationship strategies/behaviours that facilitate couple adjustment; 2) age-specific support, e.g. ‘buddying systems’ connecting younger couples affected by PCa together; tailored information and self-management strategies for younger couples (written/online/app).

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Year dc:date

2019

Author dc:creator

• Collaço, Nicole Beverley

Contributors dc:contributor

• Watson, Eila
• Wagland, Richard
• Alexis, Obrey

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/vs3x-9909

OAI identifier oai:identifier

tle:7e9f4295-000a-4cc4-80ce-582d80f29bbb:d6bd9758-527a-46cd-bfe2-c433766e8fca:1