ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between demographic, ill... more ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between demographic, illness, illness appraisal and dyad resource variables in dyads that had experienced recurrent ovarian cancer. Background: Living with recurrent ovarian cancer is life-changing for women and their spouses. An insidious disease, ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and 75% of women diagnosed with Stage III or IV disease will recur within 22 months, resulting in prolonged or repeated treatment. Considering the average age at time of diagnosis, the spouse dyad is typically the most central family unit. Factors associated with adjustment to recurrent ovarian cancer are inadequately addressed in the literature and studies generally fail to include spouses. An understanding of the relationship between demographic, illness, appraisal and resource variables and spouse adjustment will provide direction for future practice and research. Methods: A descriptive, correlation, cross-sectional design was used in a sample of 32 married couples who had experienced recurrent ovarian cancer. Network and snowball sampling was used to recruit dyads 21 years of age or older, able to speak and read English, and both willing to participate, from throughout the U.S. through national cancer advocacy organizations. Participants completed either an online or paper survey consisting of a demographic questionnaire and valid and reliable instruments. Data were analyzed using SPSS®. Correlation analyses were used to examine relationships between spouse variables and survivor adjustment and survival variables and spouse adjustment. Results: A sample of 32 Caucasian couples was obtained. The average age of survivors was 61.5 (SD=7.6) and of spouses was 63.9 (SD=8.9). More than 50% were college educated. 41% of women had no known disease at the time of the study. 62.3% of women had experienced 2 or more recurrences. Poor survivor adjustment was correlated to lower spouse age (r=-.47, p<.05), greater spouse uncertainty (r=.39, p<.05), and higher spouse fear of recurrence (r=.60, p<.01). Poor adjustment in spouses was correlated with lower survivor age (r=-.46, p<.05), lower perceived marital quality (r=-.40, p<.05), negative survivor meaning of the illness (r=-.53, p<.01), poor survivor adjustment (r=.70, p<.01), greater symptom distress (r=.58, p<.01) and greater survivor uncertainty (r=.40, p<05). Implications: This study demonstrates the interrelationship between recurrent ovarian cancer spouse dyads and provides support for an integrated family model of care for this population. Younger couples may be at higher risk for adjustment issues; early identification of these dyads at risk is imperative. More negative appraisal of the illness was related to adjustment in the other spouse and greater symptom distress was related to poor spouse adjustment. Nurses can influence women’s symptom experience and reduce uncertainty potentially improving adjustment for these dyads. This research was supported in part by National Cancer Institute R25 grant (CA93831; PI: Kathi Mooney, PhD, RN); Winona State University; Sigma Theta Tau – Gamma Rho Chapter; Mayo Clinical Cancer Prevention and Control; Mayo Clinic Division of Nursing Research; the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition; and the Oncology Nursing Society.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses were placed in an unprecedented context in which they engage... more During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses were placed in an unprecedented context in which they engaged with community members, family members, and friends while positioned between dire hospital situations and community disbelief about the seriousness of the pandemic, often along political lines. A secondary analysis of a qualitative study exploring experiences of 39 nurses in the United States and Brazil in engaging with the community and political discourse during the pandemic provided insights into the impact of these interactions on nurses, and implications for how nurses may emerge from this pandemic time stronger and more supported by those in administrative positions.
Summary A perusal of the literature reveals the many ways quilt design and personal communication... more Summary A perusal of the literature reveals the many ways quilt design and personal communication is interwoven. We selected quilt making to provide those affected by breast cancerFas a patient, friend or relativeFthe opportunity to communicate their experience through quilt making. With the participation of community quilters, a concept and quilt design was developed to incorporate the work of patients and others in making a quilt. The project pattern and materials were presented. Contributors were invited to write about what inspired them to participate. For the 80 blocks that were constructed as twin quilts, 36 individuals wrote something about their block. Analysis of the vignettes identified major categories. The most common theme was honoring a specific person’s life and their breast cancer journey. Displayed together with their accompanying vignettes, the quilts have become a focal point for interaction among patients and their families. r 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right...
Previous research has shown that the spouse/dyad relationship influences the family's cancer ... more Previous research has shown that the spouse/dyad relationship influences the family's cancer experience. Ovarian cancer is unique from more common cancers in women because it is typically diagnosed in a late stage, has a poor overall survival rate, commonly recurs, and requires intense and ongoing treatment. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation, as well as the results from a qualitative pilot study provided the framework for this project to evaluate adjustment and growth in survivors of recurrent ovarian cancer and their spouses. The sample of 60 married/partnered women with recurrent ovarian cancer were older (mean 59 years), Caucasian (97%) and had two or more recurrences (53%). A model of 5 predictors, including age, years in the relationship, performance status, symptom distress and meaning, accounted for 64% of the variance in adjustment, but did not predict posttraumatic growth. In a subsample of 32 married couples; age (r=-.42, p=.05; r=-.42, p...
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between demographic, illness, ill... more Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between demographic, illness, illness appraisal and dyad resource variables in dyads that had experienced recurrent ovarian cancer. Background: Living with recurrent ovarian cancer is life-changing for women and their spouses. An insidious disease, ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and 75% of women diagnosed with Stage III or IV disease will recur within 22 months, resulting in prolonged or repeated treatment. Considering the average age at time of diagnosis, the spouse dyad is typically the most central family unit. Factors associated with adjustment to recurrent ovarian cancer are inadequately addressed in the literature and studies generally fail to include spouses. An understanding of the relationship between demographic, illness, appraisal and resource variables and spouse adjustment will provide direction for future practice and research. Methods: A descriptive, correlation, cross-sectional ...
Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experience of ovarian cance... more Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experience of ovarian cancer from the husband's perspective.Methods: Participants were recruited through a large Midwestern hospital and a state ovarian cancer advocacy organization. A one‐time telephone interview was conducted with each participant. The interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed and analyzed for themes.Results: Eleven husbands were interviewed. Themes included the emotional devastation of the initial diagnosis, the ovarian cancer being a whole new focus/priority, changes to the marital relationship, his response influenced by her response, others sharing the burden of providing support and relying on other family members.Conclusion: Ovarian cancer presents unique challenges for husbands. Both positive and negative effects can result and can linger well past the diagnosis and treatment period. Social support, particularly from family members, may be especially helpful to husbands of women with...
To evaluate the feasibility of 2-week interpersonal and social rhythm therapy group (IPSRT-G) for... more To evaluate the feasibility of 2-week interpersonal and social rhythm therapy group (IPSRT-G) for bipolar depression. Participants with bipolar depression received two individual sessions, six IPSRT-G sessions, and a 12-week telephone call. The Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Clinician Rated (IDS-C), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and Clinical Global Impressions-Bipolar Version (CGI-BP) were used. IDS-C and SDS scores improved significantly at 12 weeks. YMRS and CGI-BP scores improved but did not reach statistical significance. The promising antidepressive response supports further study of IPSRT-G for bipolar depression.
ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between demographic, ill... more ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between demographic, illness, illness appraisal and dyad resource variables in dyads that had experienced recurrent ovarian cancer. Background: Living with recurrent ovarian cancer is life-changing for women and their spouses. An insidious disease, ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and 75% of women diagnosed with Stage III or IV disease will recur within 22 months, resulting in prolonged or repeated treatment. Considering the average age at time of diagnosis, the spouse dyad is typically the most central family unit. Factors associated with adjustment to recurrent ovarian cancer are inadequately addressed in the literature and studies generally fail to include spouses. An understanding of the relationship between demographic, illness, appraisal and resource variables and spouse adjustment will provide direction for future practice and research. Methods: A descriptive, correlation, cross-sectional design was used in a sample of 32 married couples who had experienced recurrent ovarian cancer. Network and snowball sampling was used to recruit dyads 21 years of age or older, able to speak and read English, and both willing to participate, from throughout the U.S. through national cancer advocacy organizations. Participants completed either an online or paper survey consisting of a demographic questionnaire and valid and reliable instruments. Data were analyzed using SPSS®. Correlation analyses were used to examine relationships between spouse variables and survivor adjustment and survival variables and spouse adjustment. Results: A sample of 32 Caucasian couples was obtained. The average age of survivors was 61.5 (SD=7.6) and of spouses was 63.9 (SD=8.9). More than 50% were college educated. 41% of women had no known disease at the time of the study. 62.3% of women had experienced 2 or more recurrences. Poor survivor adjustment was correlated to lower spouse age (r=-.47, p<.05), greater spouse uncertainty (r=.39, p<.05), and higher spouse fear of recurrence (r=.60, p<.01). Poor adjustment in spouses was correlated with lower survivor age (r=-.46, p<.05), lower perceived marital quality (r=-.40, p<.05), negative survivor meaning of the illness (r=-.53, p<.01), poor survivor adjustment (r=.70, p<.01), greater symptom distress (r=.58, p<.01) and greater survivor uncertainty (r=.40, p<05). Implications: This study demonstrates the interrelationship between recurrent ovarian cancer spouse dyads and provides support for an integrated family model of care for this population. Younger couples may be at higher risk for adjustment issues; early identification of these dyads at risk is imperative. More negative appraisal of the illness was related to adjustment in the other spouse and greater symptom distress was related to poor spouse adjustment. Nurses can influence women’s symptom experience and reduce uncertainty potentially improving adjustment for these dyads. This research was supported in part by National Cancer Institute R25 grant (CA93831; PI: Kathi Mooney, PhD, RN); Winona State University; Sigma Theta Tau – Gamma Rho Chapter; Mayo Clinical Cancer Prevention and Control; Mayo Clinic Division of Nursing Research; the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition; and the Oncology Nursing Society.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses were placed in an unprecedented context in which they engage... more During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses were placed in an unprecedented context in which they engaged with community members, family members, and friends while positioned between dire hospital situations and community disbelief about the seriousness of the pandemic, often along political lines. A secondary analysis of a qualitative study exploring experiences of 39 nurses in the United States and Brazil in engaging with the community and political discourse during the pandemic provided insights into the impact of these interactions on nurses, and implications for how nurses may emerge from this pandemic time stronger and more supported by those in administrative positions.
Summary A perusal of the literature reveals the many ways quilt design and personal communication... more Summary A perusal of the literature reveals the many ways quilt design and personal communication is interwoven. We selected quilt making to provide those affected by breast cancerFas a patient, friend or relativeFthe opportunity to communicate their experience through quilt making. With the participation of community quilters, a concept and quilt design was developed to incorporate the work of patients and others in making a quilt. The project pattern and materials were presented. Contributors were invited to write about what inspired them to participate. For the 80 blocks that were constructed as twin quilts, 36 individuals wrote something about their block. Analysis of the vignettes identified major categories. The most common theme was honoring a specific person’s life and their breast cancer journey. Displayed together with their accompanying vignettes, the quilts have become a focal point for interaction among patients and their families. r 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right...
Previous research has shown that the spouse/dyad relationship influences the family's cancer ... more Previous research has shown that the spouse/dyad relationship influences the family's cancer experience. Ovarian cancer is unique from more common cancers in women because it is typically diagnosed in a late stage, has a poor overall survival rate, commonly recurs, and requires intense and ongoing treatment. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation, as well as the results from a qualitative pilot study provided the framework for this project to evaluate adjustment and growth in survivors of recurrent ovarian cancer and their spouses. The sample of 60 married/partnered women with recurrent ovarian cancer were older (mean 59 years), Caucasian (97%) and had two or more recurrences (53%). A model of 5 predictors, including age, years in the relationship, performance status, symptom distress and meaning, accounted for 64% of the variance in adjustment, but did not predict posttraumatic growth. In a subsample of 32 married couples; age (r=-.42, p=.05; r=-.42, p...
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between demographic, illness, ill... more Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between demographic, illness, illness appraisal and dyad resource variables in dyads that had experienced recurrent ovarian cancer. Background: Living with recurrent ovarian cancer is life-changing for women and their spouses. An insidious disease, ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and 75% of women diagnosed with Stage III or IV disease will recur within 22 months, resulting in prolonged or repeated treatment. Considering the average age at time of diagnosis, the spouse dyad is typically the most central family unit. Factors associated with adjustment to recurrent ovarian cancer are inadequately addressed in the literature and studies generally fail to include spouses. An understanding of the relationship between demographic, illness, appraisal and resource variables and spouse adjustment will provide direction for future practice and research. Methods: A descriptive, correlation, cross-sectional ...
Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experience of ovarian cance... more Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experience of ovarian cancer from the husband's perspective.Methods: Participants were recruited through a large Midwestern hospital and a state ovarian cancer advocacy organization. A one‐time telephone interview was conducted with each participant. The interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed and analyzed for themes.Results: Eleven husbands were interviewed. Themes included the emotional devastation of the initial diagnosis, the ovarian cancer being a whole new focus/priority, changes to the marital relationship, his response influenced by her response, others sharing the burden of providing support and relying on other family members.Conclusion: Ovarian cancer presents unique challenges for husbands. Both positive and negative effects can result and can linger well past the diagnosis and treatment period. Social support, particularly from family members, may be especially helpful to husbands of women with...
To evaluate the feasibility of 2-week interpersonal and social rhythm therapy group (IPSRT-G) for... more To evaluate the feasibility of 2-week interpersonal and social rhythm therapy group (IPSRT-G) for bipolar depression. Participants with bipolar depression received two individual sessions, six IPSRT-G sessions, and a 12-week telephone call. The Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Clinician Rated (IDS-C), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and Clinical Global Impressions-Bipolar Version (CGI-BP) were used. IDS-C and SDS scores improved significantly at 12 weeks. YMRS and CGI-BP scores improved but did not reach statistical significance. The promising antidepressive response supports further study of IPSRT-G for bipolar depression.
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