Attitudes Toward Patients in Muslim Husbands of Iranian Women with Mastectomy: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to explain the Muslim husband’s attitude toward women undergoing mastectomy. Methods: In this content analysis research, 18 participants were selected by purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the results were analyzed by the Elo and Kyngas method. Results: In this content analysis, the husbands found two approaches to the patient: A positive and a negative approach to the patient. A positive approach included making the patient more beautiful after illness, maintaining the patient’s beauty before and after the disease, and knowing the patient as a hero. A positive approach included loss of beauty after illness, decreased patient attractiveness after illness, disfigurement after treatment, and acceleration of aging in the last days of life. Conclusions: From the present study’s findings, it can be concluded that husbands’ views on women undergoing mastectomy are different and should be considered in psychological interventions between couples.