Browsing by Author "Shartau, Kristi"

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    The Experiences of Individuals Re-engaging in Sexual Relationships Following a Bone Marrow Transplant
    (2019-07-19) Shartau, Kristi; King-Shier, Kathryn M.; Booker, Reanne; Bouchal, Shelley Raffin
    More than 50,000 individuals worldwide receive a bone marrow transplant annually, and this incidence is increasing. Sexual function is a common long-term concern after a bone marrow transplant (BMT). Studies have demonstrated though important to patients, healthcare providers are often remiss in addressing these concerns. Thus, Straussian Grounded Theory was used to seek a deeper understanding of the process BMT patients undergo to reintegrate their sexual relationships following a bone marrow transplant. Qualitative themes that emerged included: identifying importance, taking responsibility, seeking resources, and navigating the partnered-relationship. Gender permeated each of these themes. These events occurred in a non-linear process of seeking a new normal and could apply at any time point during the treatment trajectory. The core category of seeking a new normal’ refers to the process participants will go through while searching for ‘normalization’ and trying to get back to the condition they were in before diagnosis. Gaining an understanding of the process patients go through when integrating back into their sexual lives post-transplant will facilitate awareness about the impact a transplant can have on a patient’s sexual health.