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Psychological distress and quality of life of partners of individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis
Author(s) -
Douma Kirsten F. L.,
Bleiker Eveline M. A.,
Vasen Hans F. A.,
Gundy Chad M.,
Gerritsma Miranda A.,
Aaronson Neil K.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.1716
Subject(s) - familial adenomatous polyposis , psychological distress , distress , quality of life (healthcare) , psychology , quality (philosophy) , adenomatous polyposis coli , clinical psychology , medicine , developmental psychology , psychotherapist , colorectal cancer , mental health , cancer , philosophy , epistemology
Objective : Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a genetic condition characterized by the development of multiple adenomas in the colorectum that could lead to colorectal cancer. Our aim was to assess levels and predictors of psychological distress and quality of life (QOL) among partners of FAP‐patients. Methods : A nationwide, cross‐sectional survey using validated self‐report questionnaires assessing psychological distress and QOL. Results : One hundred and twenty‐nine partners completed the questionnaire (84% response rate), 30% of whom reported moderate‐to‐severe levels of distress. The partners' distress was associated significantly with the patients' distress, having children, and feelings of guilt. Fifty‐seven percent of the partners with moderate‐to‐severe distress levels had received professional psychosocial support. Partners did not differ significantly from the general population in QOL. However, 9–21% reported that FAP had affected their work, leisure time activities, and relationships. Conclusions : Clinicians should be particularly alert for heightened distress levels in partners of patients who are themselves distressed, and among those with children. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.