Describing health-related outcomes for couples experiencing prostate cancer: differences and similarities.
OBJECTIVE
To describe health-related outcomes for couples dealing with prostate cancer before the patient started treatment and 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment.


METHODS
Survey with longitudinal, comparative, and predictive elements.


METHODS
Tertiary care nonprofit medical center in the southwestern United States.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 216 patients treated for prostate cancer and their partners was enrolled. The mean age of patients was 68 years; 64 years for their partners. The average length of marriage was about 35 years. About 75% of patients and more than 50% of partners had at least some college education.


METHODS
Study participants completed questionnaires before treatment and 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment.


METHODS
Health-related quality of life, health status, and marital satisfaction.


RESULTS
Patients' scores were associated with partners' scores more than 50% of the time throughout the study. Relationship satisfaction was the most strongly related variable between patient and partner. Cross-lag analyses suggest that couples' scores demonstrate a reciprocal pattern of influence between the dyads throughout the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients' scores were associated with partners' scores on most outcome variables. Both are affected by prostate cancer and the treatment experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses should actively include partners in all information and education sessions connected with prostate cancer treatment and follow-up. In addition, the unique experiences of partners of patients with prostate cancer should be identified and addressed.
Galbraith
Michael E
ME
College of Nursing, University of Colorado Denver, USA. michael.galbraith@ucdenver.edu
Pedro
Leli W
LW
Jaffe
Anna R
AR
Allen
Tiffany L
TL