Adaptation Process in Husbands of Iranian Women Undergoing Mastectomy From Diagnosis to Terminal Stages of the Disease: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second cause of cancer-related death. This research was performed to interpret the adaptation process among husbands of Iranian women undergoing mastectomy. Materials and methods: In this grounded theory study, 23 participants were chosen purposefully and via convenient sampling. After interview with them about adaptation and ways of achieving it, note taking was done, which was analyzed via Strauss and Corbin approach. Results: Six themes were extracted: Confrontation with crisis, Challenges and opportunities, husband transformation, supportive systems, attempts for life management, accepting an uninvited guest, with each having subclasses. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study the healthcare team and psychologists should identify this issue properly so that they could apply measures for facilitating the coping and acceptance of the issue in husbands of these patients.