Milken Institute School of Public Health Poster Presentations (Marvin Center & Video)
Involvement of Romantic Partners in Prostate Cancer Patients’ Treatment Decision
Poster to be presented at GW Annual Research Days 2017.
Abstract
Purpose: The central aim of this study was to identify ways prostate cancer (PCa) patients’ female romantic partners are involved in their treatment decision and how partners might influence the treatment decision. _x000D_ _x000D_
Methods: Twenty-five men (21 partnered/married, 23 White Non-Hispanic, mean age = 66) with clinically localized PCa were interviewed by telephone about their treatment decision-making experiences. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and transcripts were coded by three or more coders using a codebook generated through an open-coding process. Discrepancies were resolved via discussion. _x000D_ _x000D_
Results/ Discussion: Unless the relationship was strained, partners were the primary support person involved in men’s treatment decision. Men described partners’ involvement as collaborative, active, or passive. Most men expressed satisfaction with the support they received. The most common way partners were involved was by seeking information about the disease and treatment options from sources such as the Internet and by asking questions at physician consultations. In some cases, partners urged men to choose more aggressive treatment. Partners also provided tangible and emotional support._x000D_ _x000D_
Conclusion: Contrary to earlier studies, most of the men reported that their wives/ partners were involved in the PCa treatment decision process, and believed their support was helpful. We also identified potential explanations for why married men have relatively better survival rates for PCa, including partner support for aggressive treatment. Also, partner support may reduce logistical burdens of aggressive treatment and adherence to follow-up protocols.
Involvement of Romantic Partners in Prostate Cancer Patients’ Treatment Decision
Purpose: The central aim of this study was to identify ways prostate cancer (PCa) patients’ female romantic partners are involved in their treatment decision and how partners might influence the treatment decision. _x000D_ _x000D_
Methods: Twenty-five men (21 partnered/married, 23 White Non-Hispanic, mean age = 66) with clinically localized PCa were interviewed by telephone about their treatment decision-making experiences. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and transcripts were coded by three or more coders using a codebook generated through an open-coding process. Discrepancies were resolved via discussion. _x000D_ _x000D_
Results/ Discussion: Unless the relationship was strained, partners were the primary support person involved in men’s treatment decision. Men described partners’ involvement as collaborative, active, or passive. Most men expressed satisfaction with the support they received. The most common way partners were involved was by seeking information about the disease and treatment options from sources such as the Internet and by asking questions at physician consultations. In some cases, partners urged men to choose more aggressive treatment. Partners also provided tangible and emotional support._x000D_ _x000D_
Conclusion: Contrary to earlier studies, most of the men reported that their wives/ partners were involved in the PCa treatment decision process, and believed their support was helpful. We also identified potential explanations for why married men have relatively better survival rates for PCa, including partner support for aggressive treatment. Also, partner support may reduce logistical burdens of aggressive treatment and adherence to follow-up protocols.