When the Housewife is Missing

Abstract

Thefocus of this research was on a hospitalized wife's/mother's experience of absencefrom the home and the resulting alterations in herfamily's organization. This study was one of a series of studies developed by the Family Nursing Studies Group at the University of Sdo Paulo (GEENF-EEUSP). Three women experiencing gynecological cancer were interviewed during their hospitalizations to understand the woman's role in the family and the ways her illness and absencefrom home affected herfamily. Using qualitative techniques, seven themes were identified: having an obligation to carry out her role, wanting to go back home as soon as possible, perceiving changes in the roles offamily membersfeeling like she is missing in the house, knowing that the house does not work without her, not having control of thefuture, and searchingfor support to cope. Findings support the needfor nurses to implementfamily-centered interventionsforfamilies experiencing cancer.