1 research outputs found
Quality of life in elderly men after a radical prostatectomy. A qualitative study
Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer in Spain. One of
its main treatments is radical prostatectomy. This intervention generates a
series of physical and psychological consequences in the patient that result in
reducing their quality of life. The objective of this study was therefore to
explore the experiences and perceptions of older adults about their quality of
life after a radical prostatectomy. A descriptive qualitative study was
conducted with 18 patients who had undergone a radical prostatectomy, with a mean
age of 70.6 years. A focus group of 8 people was formed, and 10 individual
interviews were carried out and transcribed in ATLAS.ti for later analysis. The
quality of the criteria for qualitative research was guaranteed, and the
pertinent ethical aspects were respected. Participants demonstrated
worse urinary (incontinence) and sexual (erectile dysfunction) function after
radical prostatectomy. Due to these consequences, they manifested shame, despair
and relationship problems (lack of communication, absence of sexual life,
etc.), thus causing a clear decrease in their quality of life. The
participants also stated that they did not feel well-protected by the health care
received. The physical sequelae on urinary and erectile function of
prostatectomized patients decrease the patientâs quality of life. These
limitations in their sexual life cause them additional psychological consequences
that also contribute to a deterioration in the perceived quality of life. In a
social environment, patients can find understanding and freedom to share
feelings, which contributes to improving their quality of life. However, pressure
and lack of communication can appear in the couple, which is perceived as a
source of deterioration in quality of life. The care conditions in the health
system are not appropriate to address the quality of life of this type of patient
in a comprehensive manner