Qualitative research on the perception of benefit in gynecological cancer patients

Abstract

Objective: To explore the experience of perceived disease benefit among gynecological cancer patients.

Methods: Using purposive sampling, twelve gynecological cancer patients were selected from a tertiary A-level hospital in Wenzhou city, from July to September 2023. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method and NVivo 11 software.

Results: Five main themes were identified: perception of social support, growth and transformation in mindset, enhancement of health awareness and caregiving ability, gratitude and cherishing life, and improved family relationships.

Conclusions: Gynecological cancer patients are able to experience a sense of disease benefit during their treatment. Healthcare professionals should integrate knowledge of positive psychology and communication skills to guide patients in finding positive meanings and help them adopt more proactive coping methods to promote psychophysical health development, thereby improving the quality of life. In addition, it is encouraged that patients' spouses, family members, and friends provide the necessary social support, enhance the level of benefit finding, and establish a robust family and social support system.