Figen Şengün İnan

Experiences of Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients in Turkey

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study is to describe the experiences of women in Turkey during the diagnostic phase of breast cancer. Design: In the research, the phenomenological approach was used. The data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews. The sample comprised nine breast cancer patients in the diagnostic phase. Results: The data were categorized into four themes: facing the breast cancer diagnosis, uncertainty, avoidance, and holding on to life. Women experience intense uncertainty about the disease, treatment, and social relationships and thus exhibit avoidance behavior. Implications: Nurses should be aware of psychosocial difficulties suffered during the diagnostic phase and provide care for patients. It is important that nurses provide information about the diagnostic phase to women with breast cancer and encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings.

Home-Based Psychoeducational Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors

Background: It is important to manage psychological distress and improve the quality of life (QOL) in patients after breast cancer treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a home-based, psychoeducational program on distress, anxiety, depression, and QOL in breast cancer survivors. Methods: The study was a single-group pretest and posttest quasi-experimental design. The data were collected using the Distress Thermometer, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Turkish version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument, short form. The home-based, individual, face-to-face psychoeducational program was structured according to breast cancer survivors’ needs and the Neuman Systems Model. Results: A total of 32 Turkish breast cancer survivors participated in this study. There were statistically significant differences in the mean scores for distress, anxiety, and depression in the breast cancer survivors over 4 measurements. The mean scores for all subscales of the QOL at 6 months postintervention were significantly higher than the mean scores at baseline. Conclusions: The results indicated that the psychoeducational program may be effective in reducing distress, anxiety, and depression and in improving the QOL in breast cancer survivors. Implications for Practice: Psychoeducational programs may be effective and should be considered as part of the survivorship care for breast cancer survivors.

Experiences of Turkish survivors of breast cancer: Neuman systems model perspective

Aim The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explain the experiences of Turkish survivors of breast cancer in the light of the Neuman systems model. Methods Interviews were conducted with 14 Turkish survivors of breast cancer. The data were analyzed by using directed content analysis. The data were categorized according to three concepts of the Neuman systems model (stressor, variable, and nursing intervention). Results The Turkish survivors of breast cancer suffered intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors but did not receive enough support from healthcare professionals during follow-up appointments. Conclusion Nurses working with the survivors of breast cancer should be aware of stressors and positive and negative variables. The implementation of the Neuman systems model by nurses provides a systematic perspective and helps to increase the effectiveness of survivorship care.

Fear of Recurrence in Turkish Breast Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study:

Purpose: Fear of recurrence (FOR) of cancer is a distressing symptom and can negatively affect breast cancer survivors’ quality of life and psychological well-being. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Turkish breast cancer survivors’ experiences related to FOR. Design: The data were collected through semistructured interviews, which were conducted with 12 breast cancer survivors. Results: The data were categorized into four themes: the quality of fear, triggers, effects on life, and coping. FOR survivors’ lives in multiple aspects, and the women found it difficult to manage their fear. Implications: Nurses should be aware of FOR in survivors during follow-up care. In addition, it is essential to consider the impact of FOR on life, and survivors should be referred to appropriate resources and support services.

Exploration of the Factors Affecting the Choices of Nursing Students Who Choose Psychiatric Nursing as the First and Last Choice

ABSTRACT The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the factors that affect the choices of nursing students who chose a psychiatric nursing internship. The sample group of the study consisted of 13 students who listed psychiatric nursing as their first choice and 11 students who listed psychiatric nursing as their last choice. Four themes were determined: personal reasons, stigmatization, experiences related to psychiatric nursing, and perception of care. Providing activities in nursing education to reduce stigmatization and increasing the time allocated for psychiatric nursing theory and practice are recommended.