Open AccessIntegrative Power of Illness: A Qualitative Study of Cancer Patients
Author(s) -
Hossein Afrasiabi,
Kasra Barzideh
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4289
Subject(s) - qualitative research , grounded theory , psychology , coding (social sciences) , disease , everyday life , social psychology , clinical psychology , medicine , sociology , epistemology , social science , philosophy , pathology
Our aim of this study was to explore the constructions of cancer patients about their everyday interactions using an interpretive-qualitative approach. We wanted to know how cancer patients understand their condition and the challenges they face in family and everyday relationships. Accordingly, a basic qualitative research method was used, and interviews were conducted with 21 cancer patients and their caregivers. Participants were selected through the purposeful sampling in Ahvaz City, Iran. The collected data were firstly transcribed and then analyzed by the grounded theory coding analysis. The findings were represented in five main categories included: pressure on relatives, the limitation of relationships, helpful awareness, personal development, and the integrative diagnosis. According to the findings, cancer patients experience many fluctuations to adapt to the disease. During the interaction with family members and other people, patient experiences change in the actions and daily routine while, at the individual and family level, they experienced the limitation of relationships.