OBJECTIVES: To explore quality of life outcomes and the factors that influenced adjustment among individuals diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. DESIGN: This qualitative study involved a focus group design. METHODS: Twenty-one participants who had been diagnosed with and/or treated for an acoustic neuroma since 2000 attended one of four focus groups. Transcripts of the focus group discussions underwent thematic analysis to explore and describe the quality of life of participants and factors that impacted on their adjustment to the condition. RESULTS: Important themes that emerged were 'physical symptoms', 'psychological wellbeing', 'social wellbeing', 'functional status', and 'psychosocial factors that influenced adjustment'. Factors that influenced adjustment included severity of physical symptoms, co-morbid conditions, optimism, control, social comparison, and social support. CONCLUSIONS: Participants conveyed a diverse range of experiences in relation to quality of life. In addition to severity of physical symptoms, psychosocial factors also emerged as important influences on quality of life.
OBJECTIVES: To explore quality of life outcomes and the factors that influenced adjustment among individuals diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. DESIGN: This qualitative study involved a focus group design. METHODS: Twenty-one participants who had been diagnosed with and/or treated for an acoustic neuroma since 2000 attended one of four focus groups. Transcripts of the focus group discussions underwent thematic analysis to explore and describe the quality of life of participants and factors that impacted on their adjustment to the condition. RESULTS: Important themes that emerged were 'physical symptoms', 'psychological wellbeing', 'social wellbeing', 'functional status', and 'psychosocial factors that influenced adjustment'. Factors that influenced adjustment included severity of physical symptoms, co-morbid conditions, optimism, control, social comparison, and social support. CONCLUSIONS:Participants conveyed a diverse range of experiences in relation to quality of life. In addition to severity of physical symptoms, psychosocial factors also emerged as important influences on quality of life.
Authors: Jonathan H Norris; Natasha M Longmire; Sarah Kilcoyne; David Johnson; Ray Fitzpatrick; Anne F Klassen Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open Date: 2019-01-09
Authors: Samira Younes; Sabria Khouadja; Samia Younes; Rim Ben Soussia; Walid Bouali; Ahmed Haj Mohamed; Lazhar Zarrouk Journal: Pan Afr Med J Date: 2019-06-04