Introduction: We describe the frequency of, satisfaction with, and characteristics associated with confidant use among patients and their spouse in the year after diagnosis of non-metastatic breast cancer.
Methods: In a prospective study of 308 women diagnosed in 1996-97 in Quebec and their spouses, participants were interviewed about confidant use 2 weeks, 3 and 12 months after treatment start. Study completion among eligible individuals was high (patients, 86%; spouses, 84%).
Results: Compared to before diagnosis when 55% of patients reported confiding in >or=1 individuals, 84% reported confiding since diagnosis when interviewed 2 weeks after treatment start (prevalence ratio (PR(2 weeks)) = 1.43, p < 0.0001). Spouses reported a greater increase in confiding (PR(2 weeks) = 1.97, p < 0.0001). Nonetheless, spouses were significantly less likely to report confidant use at any given time (PRs comparing spouses to patients: range 0.43-0.61). The primary confidant types with increases were nurses (both couple members) and physicians (patients). Most patients and spouses (84% to 93%) were satisfied with their confidant situation. At 3 months, the woman's having >or=2 types of adjuvant therapy predicted greater confidant use in both partners.
Conclusions: Judging from the relative differences in confidant use, the effect of diagnosis of non-metastatic breast cancer on natural support-seeking behaviour over time is at least as strong among spouses as among their wives.
Implications for cancer survivors: The majority of women and their spouses appear satisfied with their confidant situation, even in the first months after diagnosis when this type of support-seeking behaviour increased in both partners.