Experiences of mutuality between Chinese lung cancer patients and family caregivers during chemotherapy: a qualitative study

This qualitative study aims to deeply understand the emotional experiences of mutuality relationships between lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and their caregivers, providing insights for developing cancer-related mutuality interventions.

Using a qualitative research method with semi-structured interviews, 15 pairs of patients and their caregivers from the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the Affiliated People’s Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University were selected as subjects. Data were qualitatively and inductively analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method.

Five themes and fourteen sub-themes were extracted from the experiences and interactions between patients and caregivers: reciprocity and mutual support (support provided by patients to caregivers, support provided by caregivers to patients), challenges (lack of communication, difficulty in adaptation, role changes, economic burdens), change and adaptation (living with the disease, social support), negative outcomes (increased burden on caregivers, disruption of social activities and family relationships), and intervention needs (need for disease knowledge, humanistic care, communication skills).

The findings of this study provide healthcare professionals with information on the mutual support and challenges faced by chemotherapy patients and their caregivers in coping with cancer. This information aims to facilitate culturally-based psychological interventions, enhance mutuality, improve quality of life, and promote the entire family’s adaptation to the disease.