Sponsor
Portland State University. Social Work and Social Research Ph. D. Program
First Advisor
E. Roberto Orellana
Date of Publication
Spring 6-6-2018
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work and Social Research
Department
Social Work
Language
English
Subjects
Human fertility -- Decision making, Couples -- Decision making, Cancer in women -- Treatment -- Complications, Cancer -- Treatment -- Complications
DOI
10.15760/etd.6257
Physical Description
1 online resource (v, 131 pages)
Abstract
Partners play a critical role in making decisions about fertility preservation among young patients with cancer, yet little is known about these dyadic decisions when planning cancer treatment. Fertility preservation entails helping cancer patients preserve fertility after cancer treatment. This qualitative study investigated: 1) Heterosexual couples' responses to potential fertility loss; 2) their process in making fertility preservation decisions; 3) their ethical and legal concerns, and 4) recommendations for other couples undergoing similar treatment.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 heterosexual couples whose female partners were diagnosed with cancer and had received fertility preservation consultations within the past 5 years. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory methods.
The results indicated that couples have varied reactions to infertility. In most, spouses let the patients take the lead in, and supported, their fertility preservation decisions. Spouses recommended support to patients.
Couples face challenges in making fertility preservation decisions. Input from, and support for, both partners is essential to ensure well-informed, high-quality fertility preservation decisions.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/25569
Recommended Citation
Mathur, Aakrati, "Role of Spouse/Partner in Fertility Preservation Decision Making by Young Women with Cancer" (2018). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 4373.
https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.6257