Experiences of intimate partner violence among female cancer patients: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research.

Abstract

Objectives: This research systematically synthesized qualitative studies on intimate partner violence experiences among female cancer patients, aiming to inform the development of relevant psychosocial interventions.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and Sinomed databases were searched for qualitative studies on intimate partner violence among female cancer patients. The search time frame was from the establishment of the database to April 8 2024. The quality of included studies was assessed using the list of qualitative studies in the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewer Manual. Meta-synthesis was integrated according to the meta-aggregation method proposed by the JBI and reported in accordance with the guidelines for Enhancing Transparency in Reporting Qualitative Research Synthesis (ENTREQ).

Results: This study incorporated literature from seven sources, extracting 24 primary findings into 10 categories. These categories were further synthesized into four overarching results: cancer patients experienced multiple forms of violence; the multiple impacts of violence on cancer patients; patients' different ways of coping with violence; and multiple needs of cancer patients.

Conclusions: Intimate partner violence has emerged as a major, preventable global health issue, particularly affecting female cancer patients and significantly impacting their physical and mental health. Healthcare professionals must vigilantly monitor and address the psychological aspects of these patients, offering psychological counseling and treatment promptly as required.