Sleep-wake functioning along the cancer continuum: focus group results from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS(®)). Psychooncology 2010 Oct;19(10):1086-93
Date
12/17/2009Pubmed ID
20013938Pubmed Central ID
PMC2888823DOI
10.1002/pon.1664Scopus ID
2-s2.0-78649464406 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 24 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVE: Cancer and its treatments disturb sleep-wake functioning; however, there is little information available on the characteristics and consequences of sleep problems associated with cancer. As part of an effort to improve measurement of sleep-wake functioning, we explored the scope of difficulties with sleep in a diverse group of patients diagnosed with cancer.
METHODS: We conducted 10 focus groups with patients recruited from the Duke University tumor registry and oncology/hematology clinics. Separate groups were held with patients scheduled to begin or currently undergoing treatment for breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, hematological, and other cancer types and with patients who were in posttreatment follow-up. The content of the focus group discussions was transcribed and analyzed for major themes by independent coders.
RESULTS: Participants not only reported causes of sleep disturbance common in other populations, such as pain and restless legs, but they also reported causes that may be unique to cancer populations, including abnormal dreams, anxiety about cancer diagnosis and recurrence, night sweats, and problems with sleep positioning. Many participants felt that sleep problems reduced their productivity, concentration, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Many also shared beliefs about the increased importance of sleep when fighting cancer.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the need for interventions that minimize the negative impact of cancer and its treatments on sleep. This study will inform efforts now underway to develop a patient-reported measure of sleep-wake functioning that reflects the breadth of concepts considered important by patients with cancer.
Author List
Flynn KE, Shelby RA, Mitchell SA, Fawzy MR, Hardy NC, Husain AM, Keefe FJ, Krystal AD, Porter LS, Reeve BB, Weinfurt KPAuthor
Kathryn Eve Flynn PhD Vice Chair, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAged
Aged, 80 and over
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Information Systems
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasms
Qualitative Research
Quality of Life
Self Disclosure
Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm
Surveys and Questionnaires
