Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies

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Browsing Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies by Author "Altin, Marzanne"

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    The effect of compression garments on participation in life roles ; experiences of women with breast cancer related lymphoedema
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Altin, Marzanne; Visagie, Surona; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers amongst women. Lymphoedema, a complication of breast cancer treatment, is often managed with a compression garment during maintenance phase that controls swelling which then improves function. Aim: To explore the experiences of women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema about the effect of compression garments on their participation in life roles. Owing to the explorative nature of the study, no specific objectives were set. Method: The study followed an interpretative phenomenological approach. Five participants were purposefully sampled from a population of 23. Virtual semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. Employing an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework, data for each participant was analysed separately, followed by cross case analysis and development of emerging themes. Results: Four themes emerged: “Controlling the narrative”, “Braving the public”, “A double edged sword” and “Influence on mental health”. Controlling the narrative showed the need for choice of garment type, design and colour, wearing schedule, and around conversations about it. Braving the public focused on the attention the garment draws. A double edged sword showed that, while decreasing impairments and improving function, the garments were also a source of irritation. Mental health symptoms such as frustration on the one side and security on the other emerged. Conclusion: The garments gave relief on an impairment level and supported activities and participation. However, accepting the compression garment as part of their lives for the rest of their lives was emotionally difficult. Participants were often not comfortable to appear in public with their compression garments because of the negative attention and emotions they created. They counteracted negative emotions by taking control.