Intimate relationship experience between dementia patients and their spouses: a Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
10.3760/cma.j.cn115682-20250402-01659
- VernacularTitle:失智症患者夫妻亲密关系体验质性研究的Meta整合
- Author:
Xiaobei DOU
1
;
Yanli LIU
1
;
Yangyang LI
1
;
Chongdie HU
1
;
Fuwen HOU
1
;
Yu ZHANG
1
;
Jie ZHANG
1
;
Guangxin SHENG
1
Author Information
1. 山东中医药大学护理学院，济南 250355
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Dementia;
Spouses;
Caregivers;
Intimate relationship;
Qualitative research;
Meta-synthesis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing
2025;31(35):4770-4777
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To systematically evaluate qualitative research on intimate relationship experiences between dementia patients and their spouses.Methods:Qualitative studies on intimate relationship experiences of individuals with dementia and their spouses were electronically retrieved from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, and SinoMed. The search period was from the establishment of the database to June 30, 2025. The literature was evaluated for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Quality Assessment Criteria for Qualitative Research. The results were synthesized through the aggregative integration method.Results:A total of 12 studies were included, yielding 46 findings that were categorized into 9 themes and synthesized into 3 integrated outcomes of dysfunction and challenges in intimate relationships, adjustment and coping strategies in intimate relationships, and reshaping and sublimation in intimate relationships.Conclusions:Patients with dementia and their spouses face multiple challenges in their intimate relationships and marital quality. Healthcare providers should focus on the lived experiences and unmet needs of dementia patients and their spouses, offer targeted psychological interventions and support, promote the stable development of intimate relationships, so as to improve their capacity to cope with the disease.
