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Defining Contentment in Quality of Life in the Context of Breast Cancer Experience: A Meta-Synthesis

Octavio Muniz da Costa Vargens, and Carina M. Berterö

Purpose: There has been a great deal of qualitative research conducted that has examined the impact of breast cancer on the concept of Quality of Life (QoL); however, there has been little effort to analyse the psycho-social components of QoL findings from a meta-perspective. Method: Computer searches in electronic databases, search date from 2000 onwards; Publications focusing on women with breast cancer; using qualitative research/studies or combining qualitative and quantitative research, including a clear presentation of qualitative findings; and focused on women’s perspectives and experiences of QoL and affected life situation due to breast cancer. Thirty articles were selected for appraisal and 12 qualitative studies were interpreted and analysed. Results: The fusions identified from this meta-synthesis reveal three aspects of QoL affected by the diagnosis of breast cancer and its treatment: contentment, comfort, and contentedness. The results, understanding what QoL is about from the women’s perspectives may guide nurses and health care professionals when caring for women with breast cancer. Conclusion: The breast cancer experience has powerful impacts on women’s lives, and affects their QoL. This QoL is identified as contentment, comfort and contentedness, which are closely related but diverse. These results of the present study highlight the importance of providing support for women who have breast cancer in order to help them find the best strategies to overcome the impact of the disease and improve their QoL.