Fertility information support experiences of spouses of young breast cancer patients in China: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the experiences and unmet needs of spouses of young breast cancer patients regarding fertility information support.

DESIGN

Qualitative study based on analysis of in-depth semistructured interviews.

SETTING

A hospital in Changsha City, Hunan Province, China.

PARTICIPANTS

16 spouses of young breast cancer patients were selected based on the principle of maximum differentiation.

RESULTS

Three main themes were identified-(1) Fertility information dilemmas: fertility information overload, inadequate fertility information, insufficient sexual health cognition and improper sexual adjustment; (2) fertility desire and fertility concerns conflict: strong desire to have kids in the family, sustained fear of cancer recurrence during pregnancy, concerns about their own health and spouse's health and concerns about children's health; (3) objective challenges and multiple needs coexist: heavy economic burden, great family care pressure, anxieties and pressures of raising children, intimate relationship transformation, diverse information craving needs and professional fertility consultation needs.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare providers should pay attention to the experiences of spouses of breast cancer patients regarding fertility information support and implement timely, scientific and effective targeted interventions to improve their knowledge of fertility information and alleviate fertility concerns.