The Lurking Wolf: Qualitative research of existential experiences with lupus in female patients

Janni Lisander Larsen, Søren Jacobsen, Elisabeth Hall, Regner Birkelund

    Abstract

    THE LURKING OF THE WOLF- QUALITATIVE RESARCH OF EXISTENTIAL EXPERIENCES WITH LUPUS IN FEMALE PATIENTS.

    J. Lisander Larsen (1, 2), S. Jacobsen (2), E.O. C. Hall (1), R. Birkelund(3)
    (1) Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Section for Nursing, Denmark.
    (2) University Hospital of Copenhagen, Department of Rheumatology, Denmark.
    (3) University of southern Denmark, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark.

    Background: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, affecting mainly women, potentially lethal and quite unpredictable which exposes them with a constant life-threat; thus exposes them for existential uncertainty. Patient experiences are scarcely researched, and studies do not emphasize existential themes at stake during the illness trajectory and this leaves a knowledge gap important for evidence-based nursing support.

    Purpose: The purpose of this PhD study is to explore the meaning of existential experiences over time in female patients suffering from Lupus.

    Method: Three 3 qualitative indept interviews with 15 women is planned during 1½ year. First and second round is performed, and third is planned during spring 2015. Interviews are guided by Van Manens life world existentials (time, space, body, relationship), and analysed phenomenological- hermeneutically, considering essential themes, reflecting and synthesizing the text. Existential theory and philosophy are used to interpret women´s experience of living with lupus. Patients participate voluntary, have the opportunity to withdraw their consent, and to choose time and place for the interviewing.

    Results: Interpretation on the existential meaning is in progress. Preliminary results document that the chaotic time of the diagnosis gradually changes over the years, leaving a mark on their existential life. Experiencing the physical unpredictability of the disease is described as a burden, both individually and on relationships, which never diminish. Although the women become more confident with the fluctuations of lupus, their thoughts of new attacks never leave them. The disease flows beneath life as the lurking of a wolf.
    OriginalsprogEngelsk
    Publikationsdato2015
    StatusUdgivet - 2015
    BegivenhedPhenomenology and Health - Oxford, Storbritannien
    Varighed: 27 mar. 201528 mar. 2015

    Konference

    KonferencePhenomenology and Health
    Land/OmrådeStorbritannien
    ByOxford
    Periode27/03/201528/03/2015

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