Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore various lifestyles for good health of women with cervical cancer.

Methods: The methodology involved unstructured interviews and verbatim transcriptions of the recorded interviews. Collected data was processed and analyzed using the content analysis proposed by Yu (1991) and Priest H et al (2002). Research subjects came from a local hospital in southern Taiwan. Subjects were confirmed diagnosis of cervical cancer, and were aware of their own illness. They lived in Taiwan and were able to communicate either in Mandarin Chinese or Taiwanese. The subjects recruited were informed of the purpose of this research and consented to participate.

Results: A total of 15 cases were interviewed. Six cases avoided eating "toxic" foods, in Chinese culture, such as eggplant, duck, goose, crab and shrimp. They diet consisted of mainly chicken, raw and boiled green vegetables, whole grains, rice and mushrooms. 2 patients regularly exercised. One case ensured that he had adequate sleep everyday. Seven cases faced their disease with a positive attitude.

Conclusion: In Asian culture, certain Chinese foods are thought to promote good health and enhance immunity. These beliefs help many patients deal with cervical cancer and allow them to have peace of mind and a positive outlook for their time remaining. Perhaps, the patients' psychological effect may reduce the disease progression and metastasis, but definitely improve their quality of life. Therefore, nurses should help patients understand different strategies for good health and respect each individual's cultural differences.

Authors

Hsiao Lu Lee

Author Details

Hsiao Lu Lee, RN

Sigma Membership

Lambda Alpha at-Large

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Strategies of Good Health, Toxic (Taiwan culture) Food, Cervical Cancer

Conference Name

23rd International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Brisbane, Australia

Conference Year

2012

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The lifestyles for good health of women with cervical cancer

Brisbane, Australia

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore various lifestyles for good health of women with cervical cancer.

Methods: The methodology involved unstructured interviews and verbatim transcriptions of the recorded interviews. Collected data was processed and analyzed using the content analysis proposed by Yu (1991) and Priest H et al (2002). Research subjects came from a local hospital in southern Taiwan. Subjects were confirmed diagnosis of cervical cancer, and were aware of their own illness. They lived in Taiwan and were able to communicate either in Mandarin Chinese or Taiwanese. The subjects recruited were informed of the purpose of this research and consented to participate.

Results: A total of 15 cases were interviewed. Six cases avoided eating "toxic" foods, in Chinese culture, such as eggplant, duck, goose, crab and shrimp. They diet consisted of mainly chicken, raw and boiled green vegetables, whole grains, rice and mushrooms. 2 patients regularly exercised. One case ensured that he had adequate sleep everyday. Seven cases faced their disease with a positive attitude.

Conclusion: In Asian culture, certain Chinese foods are thought to promote good health and enhance immunity. These beliefs help many patients deal with cervical cancer and allow them to have peace of mind and a positive outlook for their time remaining. Perhaps, the patients' psychological effect may reduce the disease progression and metastasis, but definitely improve their quality of life. Therefore, nurses should help patients understand different strategies for good health and respect each individual's cultural differences.