Changes in Quality of Life among Jordanian Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: This paper is a report of the study exploring the impact and of colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment on the Jordanian patients’ QOL.

Methods: A semi-structured interview were conducted with a purposeful sample of ten participants diagnosed with colorectal cancer and undergoing treatment period in Jordan, interviews were audio taped and notes were taken. Content analysis approach was performed.

Findings: from the textual analysis, four categories were emerged reflecting the change of the participants’ QOL during CRC diagnosis and treatment that including perceptions of QOL (diminishing strength and physical fitness, and side effect of treatment), cancer as distress (experiencing range of emotions, changing perception of the future, and losing self confidence), changing roles (changing in role responsibilities, becoming dependent on others), and changing in social life (becoming socially isolated,  disrupting family life).

Conclusion: the dominant experience of the study participants focused on four main aspects of their illness. Nurses and health professionals who work with colorectal cancer patients should offer support and teaching patients about active coping strategies to survive. 

Keywords: Social support, professional support, oncology, spirituality, attitude towards prognosis.