The Experiences of the Younger Head and Neck Cancer Client

• Author / Creator

  Grattan, Kathryn S

• Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) rates are rising in younger populations, largely related to the sexually transmitted infection, human papillomavirus (HPV). Clinically I observed that this subset of clients had unique physical, psychosocial, and sexual concerns not currently being addressed by healthcare providers. I conducted this study using a simultaneous mixed-method design to better understand the experiences of these clients. Unstructured interviews were conducted with ten participants between the ages of 18-65. Three important themes emerged as common for this group: employment/financial considerations, a change in social patterns, and intimacy/sexuality. To augment the qualitative data, participants completed the University of Washington Quality of Life tool designed for HNC clients. A comparison was made between the interview data and the tool to identify both consistencies and gaps. The data is viewed through King’s (1981) conceptual framework for nursing. This is followed by recommendations for clinical practice, education, research and policy.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Oropharynx cancer
  • HPV
  • Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
  • Human Papillomavirus

• Graduation date

  Fall 2013

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Nursing

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3HD5J

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.