Disease-Related Stress Experienced by Women with Mastectomy: Q Methodology.
- Author:
Nam Cho KIM
1
;
Hee Seung KIM
;
Yang Sook YOO
;
Jin Sun YONG
;
Min Sun SONG
Author Information
1. College of Nursing, The Catholic University, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Post mastectomy;
Stress;
Q-method
- MeSH:
Body Image;
Breast;
Breast Neoplasms;
Depression;
Fatigue;
Female;
Humans;
Intention;
Mammaplasty;
Mastectomy*;
Nursing Care;
Spouses
- From:Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing
2003;9(4):379-389
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To identify the type of disease-related stress experienced by women who received mastectomy for breast cancer using Q methodology. METHOD: Q sample included 30 statements obtained from literature and interviews with women with mastectomy. P sample consisted of 22 patients with mastectomy. The data were collected from November to December 2002 and analyzed using QUANL program. RESULT: Four types of disease-related stress experienced by women with mastectomy were found. Type 1 was manifested for a short duration following surgery and characterized by lowered self-esteem, feelings of emptiness and depression because of impaired body image. Type 2 was characterized by declined physical strength, resulting in frequent fatigue in the daily life and less intimate relationship with spouse. Type 3 was manifested by perfectionists with strong sense of self-pride who received or considered breast reconstruction surgery. Type 4 was reported by those who had long period of post-surgery. This type reported a strong sense of discomfort for wearing an artificial breast but didn't show any intention of trying breast reconstruction surgery. CONCLUSION: Women with mastectomy were found to experience different type of disease-related distress. Therefore, nurses should assess the type of stress the patient experiences following a mastectomy to provide appropriate nursing care.
