Postradiation trismus in head and neck cancer survivors: a qualitative study of effects on life, rehabilitation, used coping strategies and support from the healthcare system

Aghajanzadeh, SusanGothenburg University,Göteborgs universitet,Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Avdelningen för öron-, näs- och halssjukdomar,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Otorhinolaryngology (author)

Purpose This study aimed to explore the experiences of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors with postradiation trismus, specifically how oncological treatment affected their lives, rehabilitation, use of coping strategies, and healthcare experiences. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used and semi-structured interviews of 10 HNC survivors with postradiation trismus were conducted 6-30 months after completing oncological treatment. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by qualitative content analysis.Results The analysis of interviews yielded four main categories: Bodily symptoms, Effects on life, Support from the healthcare system, and Strategies to handle life and symptoms. Participants reported ongoing problems with xerostomia, dysgeusia, eating, and limited physical fitness. Pain related to trismus was not a major issue in this cohort. Participants expressed limitations in their social lives due to their eating difficulties, yet a sense of thankfulness for life and overall satisfaction with the healthcare they received. Psychological and practical coping strategies developed by the participants were also revealed.Conclusion The results highlight areas of unmet need among HNC survivors that healthcare providers can target by establishing multi-professional teams dedicated to individualizing post-cancer rehabilitation care.

Karlsson, Therese,1987Gothenburg University,Göteborgs universitet,Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Avdelningen för öron-, näs- och halssjukdomar,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Otorhinolaryngology(Swepub:gu)xkther (author)
Tuomi, Lisa,1985Gothenburg University,Göteborgs universitet,Institutionen för neurovetenskap och fysiologi, sektionen för hälsa och rehabilitering,Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Health and Rehabilitation(Swepub:gu)xtuoli (author)
Engström, My,1977Gothenburg University,Göteborgs universitet,Institutionen för vårdvetenskap och hälsa,Institute of Health and Care Sciences(Swepub:gu)xsvemy (author)
Finizia, Caterina,1961Gothenburg University,Göteborgs universitet,Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Avdelningen för öron-, näs- och halssjukdomar,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Otorhinolaryngology(Swepub:gu)xfinca (author)
Göteborgs universitetInstitutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Avdelningen för öron-, näs- och halssjukdomar (creator_code:org_t)

By the author/editor: Aghajanzadeh, Su ...; Karlsson, Theres ...; Tuomi, Lisa, 198 ...; Engström, My, 19 ...; Finizia, Caterin ...

About the subject

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES: MEDICAL AND HEAL ...; and Clinical Medicin ...; and Otorhinolaryngol ...

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES: MEDICAL AND HEAL ...; and Clinical Medicin ...; and Cancer and Oncol ...

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES: MEDICAL AND HEAL ...; and Health Sciences; and Nursing

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