Adjustment process in Iranian men to their wives' breast cancer

Abstract

Women's breast cancer causes various problems in both spouses' family life as well as enormous stress for their husbands. This grounded theory study aimed to define ways in which men adjust to their wives' breast cancer and to present an appropriate model in this respect. Twenty-six individuals (22 husbands, 2 patients and 2 physicians) were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling. The data were collected through in-depth individual interviews. Strauss and Corbin's method was used for data analysis. Data analysis revealed that Iranian men's adjustment to their wives' breast cancer occurs during the following three stages: the first stage turbulence after confrontation with the disease that contains categories internal unrest', concerns about disease management' and sensing the beginning of disorganization in family life'; the second stage disorganisation of family life that contains disturbance of family life', attempt to get rid of tension' and resistance against family life disorganisation'; and the third stage struggle to reorder family life consisting of support to the wife', revision in communications with relatives' and seeking external support' categories. Iranian men struggled for constant organisation of family life after their wives' disease. Health providers should take measures to support the men by facilitating their adjustment to their wives' disease.