Ali Pourhabib, Zahra Fotokian, Zahra Sabzi, Khadijeh Yazdi,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (7-2023)
Abstract
Background & Aim: The availability of information regarding people's experiences of returning to work after heart surgery, taking into account the socio-cultural context of Iranian society, is limited. The aim of this study is to discover the process of returning to work after heart surgery.
Methods & Materials: A qualitative study using the grounded theory approach was conducted between 2021 and 2022. Through purposive and theoretical sampling, 21 participants who had undergone heart surgery and were in the process of returning to work were selected. They were chosen from the cardiac surgery ward of Amiralmomenin Hospital in Kordkuy, as well as among patients seeking treatment from cardiac surgeons in Golestan province. Data were collected through conducting semi-structured interviews and taking field notes. Data analysis was conducted using the method proposed by Corbin and Strauss in 2015.
Results: "Feeling of doubt about return-to-work", "perceived psycho-social support", "personal and occupational factors", "unfavorable consequences of heart surgery" and "limited support from governmental/non-governmental institutions" were determined as contextual factors influencing the process of return-to-work. Moreover, "effort to adjust the job", "situation evaluation" and "self-management" were introduced as strategies, while "adaptability to the job" were identified as the consequence of returning to work. Finally, the core variable of the study was determined to be "the thoughtful effort to match the job".
Conclusion: Based on the results, it was determined that several individual and environmental factors influence the process of return-to-work for people who have undergone heart surgery. To facilitate a successful return to work, it is crucial to provide psycho-social support from both the family and work environment. It is recommended that policy makers in the health and social affairs sectors take active steps to empower people during the post-recovery period. Additionally, fostering collaboration between the Ministries of Labor and Health, as well as insurance organizations, can greatly facilitate the return to work of individuals after heart surgery.
Zahra Fotokian, Sobhan Rahimi Esbo, Zahra Jannat Alipour, Ali Pourhabib, Fatemeh Ghaffari, Mojtaba Qanbari Qalesari, Shahrbanoo Keyhanian, Mohsen Vakili Sadeghi,
Volume 30, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Post-treatment follow-up care for breast cancer is crucial in reducing mortality rates, minimizing treatment costs, and enhancing patients' quality of life. This study aims to identify the psychosocial factors affecting post-treatment follow-up care in breast cancer patients.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-analytical study involved 180 breast cancer patients from Babol and other cities of western Mazandaran province. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling method between 2021 and 2022. Data were collected through personal information questionnaires, the Zigmond Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Psychological Distress Thermometer, the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Scale, and a post-treatment breast cancer follow-up care checklist. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 18, employing descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
Results: The average age of the participants was 51.49 years (SD=12.01). The mean and standard deviation scores for depression, anxiety, and psychological distress were 6.16±2.71, 10.70±4.13, and 5.98±2.54, respectively. The results showed that individuals with higher levels of anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and fear of recurrence are less likely to engage in follow-up care (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results suggest that health policymakers should address the psychological challenges faced by breast cancer patients. Specifically, providing insurance coverage for the screening and treatment of mental health problems may improve mental well-being, encourage self-care behaviors, and promote overall health.
