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Coping with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a qualitative study of patient perceptions and supportive care needs whilst undergoing chemotherapy

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Abstract

Purpose

Research to date on patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has focused on the physical and psychological impact of undergoing chemotherapy. However, there is a dearth of studies targeting the coping strategies in this patient group. This article addresses the dearth in literature by exploring the coping strategies and supportive care needs of patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma whilst undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative phenomenological design was used. Six adult patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and who were receiving chemotherapy were each interviewed twice using semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded. The data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged which outline how patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cope with the challenges of undergoing chemotherapy. These are as follows: ‘Interpreting life through a different lens’, ‘Wearing a mask’, ‘Suppressing thoughts about chemotherapy’ and ‘Support along the journey’.

Conclusions

This article provides insight into the coping strategies and supportive care needs of patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and who are undergoing chemotherapy. Some participants described attributing a new meaning to life, while others tried suppressing thoughts about cancer and chemotherapy. Additionally, some participants described hiding their true feelings by ‘wearing a mask’ in an effort to avoid distressing their families and consequently themselves. Nevertheless, all the participants emphasised the importance of support from health care providers, family and friends. These results provide insight which may guide future support services and interventional research aimed at assisting patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to cope with the challenges of undergoing chemotherapy.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the participants in this study who so generously shared their experiences with us. Without their valuable contribution, this study would not have been successfully completed.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

    Daren Chircop

  2. Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

    Josianne Scerri

  3. Kingston University and St George’s University of London, London, UK

    Josianne Scerri

Authors
  1. Daren Chircop
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  2. Josianne Scerri
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daren Chircop.

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Additional information

Relevance for research, policies and programs

Patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma face many challenges whilst undergoing chemotherapy which can influence their ability to cope effectively with cancer and its treatment. Exploring the coping strategies and supportive care needs of patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who are undergoing chemotherapy can help health care providers, such as nurse navigators, when providing individualised assistance regarding resources available and support required by this patient group. The information generated can also help inform hospital policies, such as the introduction of screening programs for emotional distress in cancer patients. Furthermore, there is a dearth of literature on the coping strategies of patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma whilst undergoing chemotherapy and, hence, the present study addresses this gap in knowledge.

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Chircop, D., Scerri, J. Coping with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a qualitative study of patient perceptions and supportive care needs whilst undergoing chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer 25, 2429–2435 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3649-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3649-0

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