Women's experiences with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.
OBJECTIVE
To explore women's experiences with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia during diagnosis and treatment.


METHODS
Two focus groups, each with 3 participants, were conducted as a pilot study. Participants were asked open-ended questions about their experiences, quality of life, sexual functioning, body image, and well-being. Responses were audio taped, transcribed, and independently analyzed by 2 researchers to identify themes and develop categories of the participants' experiences.


METHODS
Participants were recruited from an urban oncology clinic.


METHODS
The study population consisted of 6 White women ranging in age from 22 to 72 years.


METHODS
Participants with a diagnosis of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia were recruited using flyers posted in their oncologist's office. An interview guide was used focusing on participants' experiences.


RESULTS
Participants described a cyclic journey with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia related to the recurrent nature of the disease. Two internal influences on the journey were described: spirituality and time in life. Five external influences were discussed: significant others, health care providers, family, friends, and others with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
Health care providers cannot alter the recurrent nature of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia; however, they can better understand a woman's experience and the variables that impact her experience in a negative or positive way.
Likes
Wendy M
WM
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Nursing, Memphis, TN, USA. wlikes@utmem.edu
Russell
Cynthia
C
Tillmanns
Todd
T
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*