Life after cervical cancer: Quality of life among Chinese women

Ying Chun Zeng, Dingmei Li, Jean Tak Alice Loke Yuen

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study explored the meaning of "quality of life" among Chinese survivors of cervical cancer and the impact of cervical cancer survivorship on these women's quality of life. Written responses were used as the means of data collection. The qualitative data were analyzed by using a qualitative content analysis. The meaning of "quality of life", as perceived by 35 Chinese survivors of cervical cancer, included being free of disease, having a good standard of living, having a harmonious family atmosphere, and having a harmonious sex life. The impact of cervical cancer on the Chinese women's quality of life included physical and psychological sequelae, family distress, financial burden, and disruptions to their social functioning and sexual life. Nevertheless, there were positive gains that were reported by these survivors, including changes in their outlook on life, treasuring their life, and better family relationships. This study revealed that the Chinese survivors of cervical cancer identified their sexual life as one of the essential indicators of quality of life. It is necessary to raise nurses' awareness so that women's sexuality-related concerns are addressed. Health professionals also should provide relevant supportive care in order to address this target population's physical and psychosocial needs across the survivorship continuum.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)296-302
Number of pages7
JournalNursing and Health Sciences
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2011

Keywords

  • Cancer survivor
  • Cervical cancer
  • Chinese women
  • Nursing
  • Quality of life
  • Sexuality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing
  • General Medicine

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