Male Spouses' Experiences in Providing Support and Care for Women With Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Systematic Review and Metasynthesis.

Abstract

Background: The global incidence of breast cancer is increasing, making the care of breast cancer survivors a priority for health services worldwide. Spouses are often the primary caregivers for breast cancer survivors, and understanding their caregiving experiences is essential for developing supportive programs aimed at reducing the burden on these caregivers.

Objective: The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative research evidence on male spouses' experiences in providing support and care for breast cancer survivors.

Methods: Three databases were comprehensively searched, and the Joanna Briggs Institute qualitative synthesis method was used to evaluate the quality of the studies and synthesize the results.

Results: A total of 14 studies identified 4 themes: male spouses have negative and positive emotional responses to breast cancer; male spouses experience physical, economic, and social consequences associated with breast cancer care; male spouses experience changes in child-rearing and intimate relationships; and male spouses use a range of strategies to cope with caregiving for an ill spouse.

Conclusions: Spouses face numerous physical, psychological, and economic challenges when caring for breast cancer survivors. Therefore, support programs for caregivers should be multifaceted. Healthcare professionals should identify these challenges early and develop personalized intervention strategies to effectively enhance caregiving competence and facilitate adaptation to role transitions.

Implications for practice: Healthcare providers should emphasize positive feedback and a sense of benefit in the process of spousal caregiving, enhance training in professional skills, provide diversified support, and promote positive spousal changes to improve the caregiving experience.