Dottington Fullwood, Shannon Pressey, Opeyemi Bolajoko, JoAnn Oliver, Jada Melton, Quincy Wimberly, Mary Ellen Young, Folakemi T Odedina
{"title":"Shaping Prostate Cancer Across the Care Continuum Among Black Men: The Role of Culture and Family Dynamics.","authors":"Dottington Fullwood, Shannon Pressey, Opeyemi Bolajoko, JoAnn Oliver, Jada Melton, Quincy Wimberly, Mary Ellen Young, Folakemi T Odedina","doi":"10.1177/10497323251359953","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323251359953","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prostate cancer represents a significant health disparity among Black men, who experience higher rates of both incidence and mortality compared to other racial groups. Understanding the complex interplay of cultural, familial, and socioeconomic factors that shape health behaviors is essential for the development of effective interventions. This study sought to explore the lived experiences of ethnically diverse Black men with prostate cancer, focusing on how cultural context, family history, and spirituality influence health decisions and engagement with care. Through a secondary analysis of existing data, personal narratives from 32 Black prostate cancer survivors, primarily U.S.-born Black men, were examined to identify recurring themes that revealed the multifaceted challenges and motivations these men face. The analysis uncovered eight key themes that reflect a complex landscape, including medical distrust fueled by cultural perceptions and past negative experiences, the dual influence of family history on seeking early care versus hesitation, and the role of spirituality as a guiding force in health decisions. Additionally, financial constraints and limited access to comprehensive health information emerged as critical factors affecting engagement with preventive care. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive approaches that acknowledge the diverse experiences of Black men in their prostate cancer journey. By understanding the influence of family dynamics, spirituality, and socioeconomic challenges, future research can create targeted interventions that promote informed decision-making and help reduce disparities in prostate cancer outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":48437,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"10497323251359953"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144761846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Or Gliksberg, Amany Hulaihel, Sharon R Sznitman, Silviu Brill, Ben H Amit, Shaul Lev-Ran, Talma Kushnir, Daniel Feingold
{"title":"A Qualitative Investigation Into the Experiences of Medicinal Cannabis Use Among Chronic Pain and PTSD Patients in Israel.","authors":"Or Gliksberg, Amany Hulaihel, Sharon R Sznitman, Silviu Brill, Ben H Amit, Shaul Lev-Ran, Talma Kushnir, Daniel Feingold","doi":"10.1177/10497323251361328","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323251361328","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the last two decades, the use of cannabis for medical purposes has become legal in many countries and its use is steadily increasing. One of the most frequently cited reasons for prescribing medicinal cannabis (MC) is management of chronic pain, and in recent years MC has also been used as a treatment of psychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, little is known about patients' experiences of the long-term physiological and psycho-social effects of MC use. In this study, we focused on Israeli MC patients' experiences in order to gain further understanding of the long-term effects of MC and explore narratives evolving from chronic pain and PTSD patients regarding their MC treatment. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted among participants prescribed MC for chronic pain or PTSD (<i>n</i> = 25), predominantly men. Thematic analysis was applied to characterize content, semantics, experience, and narratives of participants regarding their MC use. Two main themes were developed: (1) <i>Coping mechanisms</i> related to the adverse effects of MC use, which included <i>Concealment, Justification, Protective behavioral</i> strategies, and <i>Rejection of \"pothead\" identity</i>; and (2<i>) Utilization</i> of MC's positive effects, which included <i>Forget/Disconnect, Helplessness/Despair</i>, and <i>Camaraderie against authorities</i>. MC patients described coping strategies with experienced negative effects of MC use and utilization of MC treatment for various psychiatric, psychological, and social needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":48437,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"10497323251361328"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Stories We Tell: Black Women's Narratives of Agency, (Dis)Respect, and Resistance During Prenatal Care.","authors":"Nicole L Harris, Kimberly Fryer, Aisha Durham","doi":"10.1177/10497323251357215","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323251357215","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>More than 30% of Black women report experiencing disrespect and mistreatment, such as being dismissed, ignored, or verbally abused, and up to 40% endure racism during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Epidemiological studies of disrespectful care are beneficial to understanding the scope of the problem but fall short of exploring how mistreatment can reproduce historical harm and function to control, coerce, and render Black women invisible during their care. This qualitative study used narrative inquiry and Black Feminist Thought to examine stories of (dis)respectful care for narratives of power, agency, and oppression at two Central Florida clinics. Semi-structured phone interviews with 16 Black women who were 3-12 weeks postpartum were conducted. Five meta-themes emerged: (1) intersectional oppression deepens dehumanization; (2) institutional conditions create power imbalances; (3) patient resistance demonstrates agency; (4) provider training reinforces medicalization; and (5) an ethic of care ensures visibility. These findings highlighted Black women's unique social location in the United States, their current and historical relationship to power within healthcare institutions, and their will to resist these forces. Resistance occurred when Black women faced invisibility, misrecognition, and paternalistic relationships with providers. However, for some women, prenatal care was liberatory and created an environment where they were seen, valued, and trusted.</p>","PeriodicalId":48437,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"10497323251357215"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144745555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yan S Zhu, Abigail Wilpers, Kara L Hansen, Judith L M McCoyd
{"title":"Moving Beyond Red Flags for Imposter Participants: A Novel Screening Strategy to Enhance Data Integrity.","authors":"Yan S Zhu, Abigail Wilpers, Kara L Hansen, Judith L M McCoyd","doi":"10.1177/10497323251359207","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323251359207","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Health research guides health practice and policy; therefore, data integrity is of the utmost importance. The use of incentives to compensate respondents for their discomfort and inconvenience in sharing their lived experiences has unfortunately drawn imposter participants, posing significant threats to the trustworthiness and transferability of qualitative data. A growing literature provides \"red flags\" and methods for identifying imposters, such as inconsistent narratives, suspicious IP addresses, and duplicate submission, but little systematic guidance exists for how to determine which data to discard and what to keep once one suspects imposters provided data. Drawing on a study where imposters were suspected early in the process of interviewing, despite many precautions taken, we propose a structured data verification strategy. This strategy involves retrospectively contacting previously interviewed participants to confirm their authenticity without soliciting additional private health information. Further, we suggest how this same method can be used proactively as part of an enhanced screening process just prior to officially starting the interview as a way of further enhancing data integrity.</p>","PeriodicalId":48437,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"10497323251359207"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tonya A MacDonald, Marie-Carmèle Charles, Olès Dorcely, Françoise D Volcy Bonne Anney, Medge Dona Mular, Lovenska Sylvestre, Rose Andrele Bien Aimé, Elizabeth K Darling, Saara Greene, Sandra Moll, Carmen Logie, Lawrence Mbuagbaw
{"title":"Navigating the Perils of Pregnancy and Childbirth Among Youth in La Pointe, Haiti: Insights Captured Through Community Photovoice Research.","authors":"Tonya A MacDonald, Marie-Carmèle Charles, Olès Dorcely, Françoise D Volcy Bonne Anney, Medge Dona Mular, Lovenska Sylvestre, Rose Andrele Bien Aimé, Elizabeth K Darling, Saara Greene, Sandra Moll, Carmen Logie, Lawrence Mbuagbaw","doi":"10.1177/10497323251347161","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323251347161","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In Haiti, surviving pregnancy and childbirth is especially tenuous for young women, who are already marginalized. One of the four leading causes of death for women 20-24 years old is pregnancy- or childbirth-related. An important gap remains regarding youth perspectives of maternal health and well-being within their communities. We conducted a community-based participatory research study using Photovoice to understand the lived experiences of 17 young women from La Pointe, Haiti, and its surrounding rural communities, who survived a maternal near-miss, a grave obstetric event that one narrowly escapes. Youth participants took photographs and participated in individual interviews and focus groups to represent and share their pregnancy and birthing experiences. Visual and narrative data were analyzed by participants and our community research team using reflexive thematic analysis. The five main themes represent a perilous maternal journey. The themes included (a) the social context youth are embedded within, (b) structural, systemic and political forces youth face, (c) pain and suffering throughout youth maternal experiences, (d) search for support during the maternal trajectory, and (e) youth-generated solutions for improved maternal health and well-being. Our findings amplify youth voices on the pressing need to address multiple, intersecting issues that shape maternal health and well-being for all women with particular attention to the needs of young women. Understanding the experiences of Haitian youth survivors of maternal near-misses can inform research, practice, and policy to curb maternal deaths and maternal near-misses among young women within low-resource settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":48437,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"10497323251347161"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"\"Rising Like Phoenix From the Ashes\": An Arts-Based Qualitative Study of Mental Health Resilience and Recovery in Romania.","authors":"Lucian Hadrian Milasan, Orsolya Finta","doi":"10.1177/10497323251355120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323251355120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The philosophy underpinning mental health care has undergone a shift from a biomedical, deficit model to a recovery-oriented, strengths-based approach prioritizing individual abilities, experiences, and skills. Within this context, it is paramount to understand how resilience is experienced by people living with mental distress, and the role it plays in the recovery process. This arts-based qualitative study aims to explore the meanings and experiences of resilience as part of the recovery journey of nine mental health service users from a community day center in Romania. In Romania, the mental health system and research into mental distress and recovery have been traditionally guided by a biomedical approach. This is the first study conducted from the perspective of people living with mental distress in Romania, revealing the experiential and conceptual complexities of resilience in their recovery. Thematic analysis of data generated through ten creative workshops, a focus group, and art-elicited semi-structured interviews revealed four key themes of resilience intertwined with participants' experiences of recovery: re(dis)covering the authentic self, symbiosis with the day center, navigating conflicts (with self, society, and the psychiatric system), and leaving the past behind. The insights from participants' verbal contributions triangulated with their artwork provided a deeper understanding of resilience within the cultural context of Romania. The findings add to an increasing body of evidence that informs the reformation of mental health practices in line with the perspectives on resilience held by people experiencing mental distress.</p>","PeriodicalId":48437,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"10497323251355120"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144668780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ellen Gerle, Tove Lundberg, Björn Hofvander, Anders Håkansson
{"title":"I Want to Break Myself, When I'm Already Broken: Experiences of Gambling in Relation to a \"Rock Bottom\" Hypothesis.","authors":"Ellen Gerle, Tove Lundberg, Björn Hofvander, Anders Håkansson","doi":"10.1177/10497323251357212","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323251357212","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores narratives about gambling problems and experiences of \"rock bottom\" through interviews with ten participants. The analysis generated three main themes. In <i>A bumpy road-Plunging toward \"rock bottom,\"</i> participants described hitting \"rock bottom\" as something to avoid or being dragged there by self-hatred or dedication. In <i>A split existence-Being at the \"rock bottom,\"</i> the experience of the bottom was seen as either the worst suffering or a relief. In <i>Different ways of \"getting out\"-The way up from \"rock bottom,\"</i> getting out involved diverse processes like suicidal behavior, imprisonment, or seeking help. The results suggest that understanding \"rock bottom\" narratives can help identify risk factors and processes related to gambling, enabling practitioners in supporting individuals on their journey.</p>","PeriodicalId":48437,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"10497323251357212"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144668781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Launching a Living Ethics Initiative to Explore Patients' Psychological Distress in a Highly Specialized Interdisciplinary Care Clinic.","authors":"Bénédicte D'Anjou, Katherine Desjardins, Julie Ianniruberto, Danielle Méthot, Valérie Poulin, Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret, Eric Racine","doi":"10.1177/10497323251353435","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323251353435","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ethical issues are often difficult to discuss openly in clinical settings. However, silence can be detrimental to both patients and healthcare providers, and may impede improvements in clinical practices. In this paper, we report on the initial process of launching a living ethics initiative to identify, explore, and address a relevant ethical issue-that is, unaddressed psychological distress among people living with a rare or complex chronic disease-with the staff and patients of a highly specialized interdisciplinary care clinic in Montreal (Canada). Although previous research has addressed psychological distress, few studies have taken a participatory qualitative research and ethics approach, integrating the perspectives of both patients and healthcare providers. This paper specifically outlines the initial phases of a five-phase living lab project, from identifying the issue to exploring stakeholders' understanding of the problem. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and clinic staff, followed by a qualitative content analysis that relied on deductive and inductive coding strategies. Overall, our study sheds light on the concept of psychological distress, causes of patients' psychological distress, consequences of patients' psychological distress, mitigating factors of patients' psychological distress, management of patients' psychological distress within a given healthcare environment, and potential avenues for improvement. By creating an ethical space where patients and healthcare providers could reflect on and discuss this issue, this initiative has not only deepened our understanding of patients' psychological distress but has also initiated a paradigm shift in this clinical setting, recognizing that patients' psychological distress is a fundamental human issue that concerns everyone.</p>","PeriodicalId":48437,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"10497323251353435"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144668782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kristin Allergodt, Bente Kristensen, Ulla Werlauff, Pia Dreyer, Marit Kirkevold, Charlotte Handberg
{"title":"\"This Disease Is a Verdict You Must Live With for the Rest of Your Life\": Experiences and Perspectives From People Living With Adult-Onset Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1.","authors":"Kristin Allergodt, Bente Kristensen, Ulla Werlauff, Pia Dreyer, Marit Kirkevold, Charlotte Handberg","doi":"10.1177/10497323251356979","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323251356979","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a progressive, multisystemic neuromuscular disease. DM1 has a biopsychosocial impact, causing physical and cognitive impairment and limitations in activity and participation as well as having social consequences. The aim of our study was to investigate experiences of and perspectives on living and coping with adult-onset DM1 to inform future targeted rehabilitation services. We conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 25 people with adult-onset DM1. Observational notes were taken during the interviews. Our study used the interpretive description methodology and Herbert Blumer's theory of Symbolic Interactionism as the theoretical lens. The analysis identified two categorical themes and six subthemes: The meaning of living with DM1 and DM1's influence on relations. Our findings showed that participants with adult-onset DM1 found meaning in their disease by reflecting on being diagnosed, understanding health information, and how DM1 influences daily living. Additionally, DM1 affected the participants' interactions with others, thereby also influencing their relations. Our study contributes insights into how the intricate interaction with social relations and surroundings contributes to finding meaning when living with adult-onset DM1.</p>","PeriodicalId":48437,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"10497323251356979"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144601963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"\"Clean Addict\": A \"Semantic Warning Sign\" and a Bridge to an Integrated Recovery Identity.","authors":"Gilad Dagan, Nehami Baum","doi":"10.1177/10497323251355119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323251355119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this qualitative study, we explored how professionals specializing in the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD) perceive and use SUD-related terminology. Thirty-two professionals from diverse disciplines (social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists) were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews conducted in person or via Zoom, and analyzed using the reflexive thematic method, grounded in the constructivist epistemological framework. The findings revealed that professionals utilize the terms \"addict\" and \"clean addict\" and perceive them as \"semantic warning signs,\" intended to reinforce clients' vigilance by emphasizing the chronic nature of SUD. The interviewees also articulated the dual role of these terms in shaping clients' identity transition during recovery-supporting continuity of the \"addict\" identity while potentially limiting broader identity integration. These findings highlight SUD professionals' nuanced and context-sensitive approaches, as reflected in their choice of terminology, recognizing both its clinical utility and its limitations. They underscore the importance of professionals' perspectives in shaping therapeutic SUD terminology and reveal how professional terms serve as culturally embedded constructs that can carry stigmatizing connotations in some contexts while empowering recovery in others. This sheds light on the need for further cross-cultural research to explore these dynamics in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":48437,"journal":{"name":"Qualitative Health Research","volume":" ","pages":"10497323251355119"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144585328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}