A Qualitative Study of Preventive Behaviors Among Patients Considered at High Risk of Lower Limb Lymphedema After Gynecological Cancer Surgery Using the Theoretical Domains Framework
- 1School of Nursing, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- 2Department of Gynecological Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
- 3Health Care Research Center for Xinjiang Regional Population, Urumqi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
Abstract
Purpose: To explore experiences, barriers, and facilitators related to preventive behaviors among patients considered at high risk of lower limb lymphedema (LLL) after gynecological cancer surgery, using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).
Methods: Eighteen patients considered at high risk of LLL and assessed as having no clinically apparent LLL at enrollment were purposively recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between March and July 2026. The 14-domain TDF informed the interview guide and initial deductive coding. Directed content analysis was used to develop subthemes and overarching themes. Reporting followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).
Results: Three overarching themes and nine subthemes were identified: (1) everyday activities and practical constraints: access to and understanding of preventive practices, role-driven activity, and changes in activity after role disruption; (2) emotional responses in the context of daily activity and preventive practices: anxiety alongside differing levels of engagement, fear and limited enactment of preventive intentions, distress around illness-related events, and acceptance, optimism, and everyday activity; and (3) following advice and remembering preventive practices: willingness to follow advice and remembering practices through everyday cues.
Conclusion: Participants described practical constraints, family roles, emotional responses, and reliance on advice or everyday cues in relation to daily activity and preventive practices. The findings may inform context-sensitive nursing support before clinically apparent LLL develops. However, any resulting intervention requires prospective evaluation of its acceptability, feasibility, and effects.
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BibTeX
@article{wang2026qualitative,
title = {{A Qualitative Study of Preventive Behaviors Among Patients Considered at High Risk of Lower Limb Lymphedema After Gynecological Cancer Surgery Using the Theoretical Domains Framework}},
author = {Yuting Wang and Yuting Zhang and Yaru Wu and Chunyan Xu},
journal = {Patient preference and adherence},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.2147/ppa.s648900},
url = {https://doi.org/10.2147/ppa.s648900},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A Qualitative Study of Preventive Behaviors Among Patients Considered at High Risk of Lower Limb Lymphedema After Gynecological Cancer Surgery Using the Theoretical Domains Framework
AU - Yuting Wang
AU - Yuting Zhang
AU - Yaru Wu
AU - Chunyan Xu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/01
JO - Patient preference and adherence
DO - 10.2147/ppa.s648900
UR - https://doi.org/10.2147/ppa.s648900
AB - Purpose: To explore experiences, barriers, and facilitators related to preventive behaviors among patients considered at high risk of lower limb lymphedema (LLL) after gynecological cancer surgery, using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Methods: Eighteen patients considered at high risk of LLL and assessed as having no clinically apparent LLL at enrollment were purposively recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between March and July 2026. The 14-domain TDF informed the interview guide and initial deductive coding. Directed content analysis was used to develop subthemes and overarching themes. Reporting followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Results: Three overarching themes and nine subthemes were identified: (1) everyday activities and practical constraints: access to and understanding of preventive practices, role-driven activity, and changes in activity after role disruption; (2) emotional responses in the context of daily activity and preventive practices: anxiety alongside differing levels of engagement, fear and limited enactment of preventive intentions, distress around illness-related events, and acceptance, optimism, and everyday activity; and (3) following advice and remembering preventive practices: willingness to follow advice and remembering practices through everyday cues. Conclusion: Participants described practical constraints, family roles, emotional responses, and reliance on advice or everyday cues in relation to daily activity and preventive practices. The findings may inform context-sensitive nursing support before clinically apparent LLL develops. However, any resulting intervention requires prospective evaluation of its acceptability, feasibility, and effects.
SN - 1177-889X
ER -