Self‐management strategies used by head and neck cancer survivors following completion of primary treatment: A A directed content analysis

摘要

Abstract Objective Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors encounter unique challenges following treatment. This study aimed to identify self‐management strategies that HNC survivors use to overcome these posttreatment challenges. Methods Twenty‐seven individuals from 4 designated cancer centres in Ireland were interviewed about self‐management strategies that helped them overcome challenges following HNC treatment. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analysed using directed content analysis. Results Twenty self‐management strategy types (encompassing 77 specific strategies) were identified. The most frequently used self‐management strategy types were self‐sustaining (used by 26 survivors), self‐motivating (n?=?25), and proactive problem solving (n?=?25). The most frequently used specific strategies were adaptive approaches to ongoing physical consequences of HNC and its treatment (n?=?24), customising dietary practices (n?=?24), and maintaining a positive outlook (n?=?22). Conclusions The study identified strategies that helped HNC survivors to self‐manage posttreatment challenges. This information could inform the design/development of self‐management interventions tailored towards HNC survivors.