Asian Oncol Nurs.  2016 Sep;16(3):121-131. 10.5388/aon.2016.16.3.121.

The Experience of Illness in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients

• Kim HS
• Yi M

• KMID: 2355014
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2016.16.3.121

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to explore the illness experiences of Korean patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
METHODS
Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews with 9 patients. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
Five themes emerged as a result of the analysis. "Embarrassment from unfamiliar diagnosis and rapid progression" delineates lymphoma as a very cancer. "Maelstrom in dilemma of cancer treatment" describes suffering due to side effects and complications with lack of information about treatments. "Rearrangement of relationships due to social prejudice" describes interpersonal relationships with others and family members. "Keeping psychological stability through balancing alertness and oblivion" illustrates strategies to overcome the fear of recurrence. "A new life obtained by introspection" delineates the outcome of overcoming cancer through self-reflection.
CONCLUSION
Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma experienced tremendous physical and psychosocial problems. There are significant knowledge gaps between patients and health professionals. Based on the results of the study, health professionals could develop effective nursing interventions to improve the quality of life of non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients.

Keyword

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; Life Experience; Life Change Events; Qualitative Research

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Health Occupations
Humans
Life Change Events
Lymphoma
Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin*
Nursing
Qualitative Research
Quality of Life
Recurrence

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