Karen Kayser1, Chiara Acquati2, Jennifer Barsky Reese3, Kristen Mark4, Daniela Wittmann5, Eli Karam1. 1. University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA. 2. Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA. 3. Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA. 4. Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. 5. Urology, Taubman Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite the adverse effects that treatment for colorectal cancer can have on patients' quality of life and, in particular, their intimate relationships, very little research has been conducted on the psychosocial adjustment for both patients and their partners/spouses. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to examine dyadic studies of adjustment in couples in which one partner has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Pub Med, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Social Sciences Abstracts (EBSCO), and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies reporting quality of life outcomes for colorectal cancer patients and their partners/spouses. Only studies that included dyads in the sample were eligible for inclusion. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was used to evaluate each study. RESULTS: A total of 277 studies were identified, of which 9 studies met the inclusion criteria (N = 388 couples). The methodological quality of the studies was high in that they used standardized instruments validated with their samples, conducted dyadic data analyses (when appropriate), and used longitudinal designs. A synthesis of the studies revealed that (1) relationship factors (eg, support, communication, dyadic coping, and relationship satisfaction) affect adjustment to cancer; (2) cancer-related distress impacts each partner's adjustment or the relationship; and (3) gender, role (patient/caregiver), and clinical characteristics (treatment, mental health) can mediate adjustment to cancer. CONCLUSION: The quality of the relationship can influence patients' and their partners' adjustment to colorectal cancer. Psychosocial interventions that address relationship issues may be beneficial to couples facing the challenges of colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND: Despite the adverse effects that treatment for colorectal cancer can have on patients' quality of life and, in particular, their intimate relationships, very little research has been conducted on the psychosocial adjustment for both patients and their partners/spouses. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to examine dyadic studies of adjustment in couples in which one partner has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Pub Med, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Social Sciences Abstracts (EBSCO), and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies reporting quality of life outcomes for colorectal cancerpatients and their partners/spouses. Only studies that included dyads in the sample were eligible for inclusion. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was used to evaluate each study. RESULTS: A total of 277 studies were identified, of which 9 studies met the inclusion criteria (N = 388 couples). The methodological quality of the studies was high in that they used standardized instruments validated with their samples, conducted dyadic data analyses (when appropriate), and used longitudinal designs. A synthesis of the studies revealed that (1) relationship factors (eg, support, communication, dyadic coping, and relationship satisfaction) affect adjustment to cancer; (2) cancer-related distress impacts each partner's adjustment or the relationship; and (3) gender, role (patient/caregiver), and clinical characteristics (treatment, mental health) can mediate adjustment to cancer. CONCLUSION: The quality of the relationship can influence patients' and their partners' adjustment to colorectal cancer. Psychosocial interventions that address relationship issues may be beneficial to couples facing the challenges of colorectal cancer.
Authors: Elizabeth K Arthur; Celia E Wills; Kristine Browning; Janine Overcash; Usha Menon Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2019-07-04 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Ekin Secinti; Kevin L Rand; Shelley A Johns; Bert H O'Neil; Paul R Helft; Safi Shahda; Shadia I Jalal; Catherine E Mosher Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2018-09-17 Impact factor: 3.603