Stages Passing of Distress in Cancer Patients: A Narrative Research Study

Sedighe Arabi; Bibi Aghdas Asghari

doi:10.18502/ssu.v30i4.9896

Sedighe Arabi Social Development & Health Promotion Research Center, Gonbad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
Bibi Aghdas Asghari Department of Social Science, School of Humanities, Islamic Azad University Gonabad Branch, Gonabad, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v30i4.9896

Keywords: Distress, Cancer, Incurable diseases, Qualitative research.

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer patients are extremely vulnerable psychologically and may suffer a variety of psychological trauma. This can have a significant impact on their cancer resistance and recovery. The aim of this study was to investigate the transition process of crisis in cancer patients, considering the high number of cancer in the country.

Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative paradigm. In this study, narrative research approach and narrative interview technique was run in order to achieve the transition stages in crisis in cancer patients. During the interview with 14 cancer patients in Gonabad City, theoretical saturation was obtained. Data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin (1990) comparative analysis.

Results: Cancer patients went through 8 stages before accepting death. These stages included Disease shock, denial of disease, concealment, anger, depression, religious perception, acceptance of illness and acceptance of death.

Conclusion: Due to the need to know the crisis process in people with cancer and the high number of patients, the results of this study can be used for people with the patients to deal with them properly, as well as for researchers, managers and planners to know more. The needs of cancer patients and evidence-based planning should be used.