关键词: 肝癌, 长期生存者, 配偶, 经济负担, 质性研究

Abstract: Objective: To understand the family economic burden and related needs of long-term liver cancer survivors from the perspective of their spouses, with the aim of assisting patients and their spouses in coping with financial stress. Methods: A descriptive qualitative research method was employed and semi-structured in-depth interviews with 16 spouses of long-term liver cancer survivors were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to inductively analyze the data and extract themes. Results: Four main themes and eleven sub-themes were identified including heavy economic burden (overwhelming direct medical expenses; insufficient income to cover indirect economic costs), impact of economic burden (reduced treatment adherence in patients; increased psychological stress for spouses; decline in family quality of life), coping strategies for economic burden (lowering consumption standards and reducing expenses; taking on part-time jobs and increasing income; seeking support and applying for financial assistance), expectations and needs (needs related to medical institutions; needs related to health insurance policies; needs related to social support systems). Conclusion: Long-term liver cancer survivors and their spouses face significant family economic burdens and negative psychological experiences. Healthcare professionals should pay attention to the real experiences and needs of this population regarding financial stress and implement multi-faceted, comprehensive intervention strategies and measures to help long-term liver cancer survivors and their spouses effectively cope with economic burdens.

Key words: Liver cancer, Long-term survivors, Spouses, Economic burden, Qualitative research