Psychosocial Adjustment Experiences Among Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Survivors

Abstract

Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has serious effects on the daily lives and psychosocial adjustment of survivors. In particular, psychosocial problems are a prominent concern. Objective The aim of this study was to understand the lived experiences of NPC survivors regarding psychosocial adjustment. Methods A qualitative design using individual semistructured interviews was conducted with 20 NPC survivors. Each participant was asked open-ended questions about their lived experience with psychosocial adjustment. The data were then subjected to thematic analysis. Results The following 4 themes, which had subthemes, were identified from the data: (1) grappling with discomforts (symptoms distress of late toxicities, impaired body image, and returning-to-work restrictions), (2) struggling with uncertainty (disease attribution with self-blame, contradictory rehabilitation information, fear of cancer recurrence, and distance from medical staff), (3) changing social patterns (special favors, social isolation, and social discrimination), and (4) cultivating positive change (healthy lifestyle and positive mindset). Conclusions Nasopharyngeal carcinoma survivors experience many obstacles, as well as positive changes, during psychosocial adjustment. This study highlights the pressing need to consider NPC survivors’ concerns about their psychosocial adjustment. Implications for Practice Medical staff should provide NPC survivors with sufficient rehabilitation information to help them deal with possible late toxicities and mitigate their uncertainty and misunderstanding. Effective public education measures are needed to address misunderstandings about cancer in Chinese cultural settings.