Self-management in people LWABC in rural and urban settings
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Self-Management in People Living with and Beyond Cancer (LWABC) in Rural and Urban Settings: A Comparative Mixed Methods Study
IRAS ID
204679
Contact name
David Nelson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Lincoln
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
The shift in thinking of cancer as an acute illness to a chronic one has led to a growing body of work around self-management and people affected by cancer. Self-management has been defined as awareness and active participation by the person in their recovery, recuperation and rehabilitation, to minimise the consequences of treatment, and promote survival health and wellbeing. There is limited research examining whether living in a rural or urban area, has a significant bearing on a person’s ability to manage their health following medical treatment. Furthermore, this is underexplored with those living with and beyond cancer. Existing studies have reported that cancer patients who reside in rural areas report poorer mental health compared with those in non-rural areas and the need to travel for treatment can cause many practical, emotional and financial problems.
The research will be undertaken to compare self-management in cancer survivors from a rural and an urban setting. Participants will be recruited from an NHS cancer patient database in the East Midlands. Potential participants will be sent a self-completion postal questionnaire to explore differences in self-management amongst cancer survivors who reside in rural and urban areas. This should take approximately 20 minutes. This will be followed up with a series (approx. 30) of face-to-face discussions that will explore the reasons why and how (if at all) people manage their health following primary cancer treatment. The interviews will take place in a private and convenient location and should last approximately 60 minutes. The findings have the potential to inform future interventions, and ensure they are targeted and appropriate to the needs of cancer survivors in both rural and urban areas.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
17/WS/0054
Date of REC Opinion
24 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion