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78 tímarit hjúkrunarfræðinga • 3. tbl. 93. árg. 2017
Aim: Adverse effects of hormonal therapy for advanced prostate
cancer affect the relationship and wellbeing of the patient and his
spouse. Scarce information exists on the specific problems and
needs of spouses for information and support. The study aim was
to explore these problems and needs.
Method: Mixed method study design; cross-sectional and qualita-
tive interviews. The population were spouses of men receiving
hormonal therapy for advanced prostate cancer. A questionnaire
and interviews were used for data collection. Data was first ana -
lysed separately by descriptive statistics (questionnaire) and the-
matically (interviews) and then integrated.
Results: The questionnaire was answered by 29 women and 11 in-
terviews were conducted with six women. Their main problems
were; uncertainty about the future (n=15), changes in personality
of the man (n=14), fear for own health (n=13) and accepting the
patient’s disease (n=13). Informational needs concerned mental
changes (n=16), changes of the patient’s personality (n=13), physi-
cal problems (n=13) and what physical changes should be expected
(n=13). The interviews supported these results. The women ex-
perienced uncertainty and wanted to be more involved in the treat-
ment’s course. Many were unprepared for the treatment’s con -
sequences; depression and downturns, social withdrawal, and loss
of intimacy and masculinity. Most believed their husbands received
adequate treatment and emphasised that the treatment gave them
more time together. More support and information was requested.
Conclusion: This group of spouses is confronted with various treat-
ment related changes. Support and information should be impro-
ved and holistic service and participation offered from the
beginning of the treatment.
Keywords: prostate cancer, hormonal therapy, spouses, needs, in-
formation
Correspondent: katrinbl@landspitali.is
English Summary
Blondal, K., orbergsdottir, K., Ingvarsdottir, A., Zoega, S., Sveinsdottir, H.
e Icelandic Journal of Nursing (2017), 93 (2) 70–78
A man, his spouse and the malignancy.
The needs of spouses of men treated with hormonal therapy for prostate cancer