Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is an oncogenic virus exist in about 80% of Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive human skin cancer. Evidence of MCPyV existing in other kind of skin neoplasms such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) has been reported. Since the major type of cervical cancer is SCCs, MCPyV may be associated with cervical cancer tumorigenesis. A Japanese research group has documented the presence of MCPyV DNA in both cervical SCCs and cervical adenocarcinomas (ACs) from Japanese patients. Nevertheless, the association between MCPyV and cervical cancer remains inconclusive and the prevalence of MCPyV in cervical cancer may show demographic variation. This study is aimed to examine whether MCPyV is present in some of the most common gynaecological cancers, namely cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and gestational choriocarcinoma, in Hong Kong patients. Genomic DNA was obtained from 50 cases of cervical cancer, 20 cases of ovarian cancer, and 35 common gynaecological cancers cell lines. Genomic DNA extracted from four MCC samples were used as positive controls. The integrity of the samples was first checked by β-globin PCR. Detection of MCPyV was then performed by MCPyV Large T antigen (LT-ag) PCR. Our PCR analysis showed that only 1 out of 50 (2%) of the cervical cancer samples was positive for MCPyV DNA. The PCR product was purified and cloned for sequencing analysis. Comparing the LT-ag sequence obtained from the only MCPyV positive cervical cancer with reference sequence and with the MCPyV sequence from one of the control cases revealed the presence of different MCPyV variants in Hong Kong patients. None of the ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, or choriocarcinoma was positive for MCPyV. Our data did not support the notion that MCPyV is associated with gynaecological malignancies. MCPyV may hence be a fairly specific oncogenic agent for Merkel cell carcinoma. / published_or_final_version / Pathology / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

MSc., Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, 2011 / Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy of the treatment setup margin in external beam radiotherapy in cervical cancer patients treated supine with or without the CIVCO “kneefix and feetfix”TM immobilizing devices. Methods and materials: 2 groups of 30 cervical cancer patients each, who were treated supine with two parallel opposed fields or a four-field “box” technique were selected randomly. The treatment fields were planned with a 2 cm setup margin defined radiographically. The first group was treated without any immobilization and the second group was treated with the “kneefix and feetfix”TM immobilization device. Both groups of patients were selected from the patients treated on one of two linear accelerators (linac), which had weekly mechanical quality control (QC). All patients had pre-treatment verifications on the treatment machine in which a megavoltage Xray film was taken to compare with the planning simulation film. Both films were approved by the radiation oncologist managing the patient. In this study the position of the treatment couch as at the approved machine film was taken as the intended or planned position for the immobilized patients. The digital readouts of the daily treatment position of the couch were recorded for each patient as the absolute X (lateral), Y (longitudinal), and Z (vertical) position of the couch from the record and verify system interfaced to the treatment machine. A total of 1241 (582 for the immobilized and 659 for the non-immobilized patient group) daily treatment setup positions were recorded in terms of the X, Y and Z coordinates of the couch corresponding to the Medio-lateral (ML), Supero-inferior (SI) and Antero-posterior (AP) directions of the patient, respectively. The daily translational setup deviation of the patient was calculated by taking the difference between the planned (approved) and daily treatment setup positions in each direction. Each patient’s systematic setup error (mi) and the population mean setup deviation (M), was calculated. Random ( ) and systematic ( ) setup errors were then calculated for each group in each direction. The translational setup variations found in the AP, iii ML, SI directions were compared with the 2 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm Planning Target Volume (PTV). Couch tolerance limits with the immobilization device were suggested based on the ± 2SD (standard deviation) obtained for each translational movement of the treatment couch. Result: The random and systematic errors for the immobilized patient group were less than those for the non-immobilized patient group. For the immobilized patient group, the systematic setup error was greater than the random error in the ML and SI direction as shown in Table I. Table I: The random and systematic errors in the setup in the Antero-posterior (AP), Medio-lateral (ML) and Supero-inferior (SI) directions and the suggested couch tolerance limits for both patient groups. Almost all treatment setup positions had less than 2 cm variation in the AP setup for both patient groups however; one third of the immobilized positions had more than 2 cm variation in the setup in the ML and SI directions. Conclusion: The “kneefix and feetfix”TM immobilizing device resulted in a minor improvement in both the random and systematic setup errors. The systematic setup errors need to be investigated further. There are measurable patient rotations of more than 2 cm in the setup margin with the immobilizing device and this should be confirmed with an imaging study. The 2 cm margin in the ML and SI directions Immobilized patient group Non-immobilized patient group AP (cm) ML (cm) SI (cm) AP (cm) ML (cm) SI (cm) Random error (!) 0.30 1.35 1.26 0.37 2.74 7.83 Systematic error (") 0.19 1.55 1.64 0.33 1.70 8.11 Suggested couch tolerance limits (±2SD) 0.70 4.04 4.08 0.88 4.76 N/A iv established at simulation should not be changed for these patients. A 1 cm tolerance in the AP setup margin could be introduced at this institution.

published_or_final_version / Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Abstract can be viewed in PDF document. / Thesis (M.Med.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

published_or_final_version / Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

The management of advanced cervical and ovarian cancers remains a significant challenge as many women fail to respond to recommended therapy, resulting in disease progression and ultimately patient death. Because of tumour heterogeneity, it is rare for all cancers of a particular type to respond to a specific therapy. Many patients therefore receive treatment from which they derive little or no benefit, leading to increased morbidity and costs. A marker that could rapidly predict disease outcome would clearly be beneficial in allowing the administration of tailored therapy while reducing toxicity and cost. Novel functional imaging techniques have the ability to characterise biological tissues and non-invasively integrate physical and metabolic information. These include diffusion weighted MRI (DW-MRI), which is particularly sensitive to the microscopic motion of water molecules and changes in tissue cellularity, as well as dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) which can assess tumour vascular characteristics during the passage of a paramagnetic contrast agent through tissues. Both imaging techniques have demonstrated potential as biomarkers of tumour response in various malignancies such as brain tumours, but have not been fully explored in gynaecological cancers.

Thesis (DMed (Obstetrics and Gynaecology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Chapter 1 is a literature review investigating the incidence of cancer in children and young adults. It describes the most important treatment options including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery and the effect of treatment on future endocrine development and fertility. Different primary cancer sites are discussed in more detail. Chapter 2 is a literature review on the effects of cancer surgery in women and the options for fertility sparing. Cervical cancer and pre-cancer are discussed in detail with options for more conservative surgery in selected patients. A summary of the available published cases of trachelectomy with pregnancy outcomes is included. Other gynaecological cancers requiring surgery are also discussed with reference to conservative options. Chapter 3 is a literature review about the medical (pharmacological) options for protection of ovarian function in patients undergoing oncotherapy. The role of gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogues and hormonal contraceptives in ovarian suppression is discussed in detail. Chapter 4 This chapter examines germ cell physiology with reference to cryopreservation. It includes two major parts. Part 1 is the description of germ cell- and follicle physiology, the principles of cryobiology followed by a review of oocyte cryopreservation and ovarian tissue preservation. Both slow freezing and vitrification techniques are described. The second part of chapter 4 is a report on a randomised controlled evaluation of two different slow freezing cryopreservation protocols. This experimental study compared ultrastructural changes in fresh and previously cryopreserved ovarian cortical tissue after equilibration and thawing using two different cryoprotectants. This is the first randomised investigation into DMSO and PROH as cryoprotectants. Chapter 5 is an investigation into cryopreservation of ovarian tissue as a strategy to protect hormonal function and fertility against gonadotoxic treatment. This chapter consists of two parts. The first part is a thorough literature review of all the published work about grafting of previously cryopreserved ovarian tissue. The largest case series found from a single institution was five patients. Another report of six patients included patients from various sites in Denmark. Part 2 is a description of a cohort of patients followed up after re-implantation of previously cryopreserved ovarian cortical tissue. Follow-up hormone levels of 13 individual cases are described in detail. This is the largest case series ever reported. The experimental study described in Chapter 4 and the clinical study described in Chapter 5 was approved by the ethical research committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, project number N05/10/182. Chapter 6 provides an integrated overview of the incidence and treatment of cancer in young women and how its negative effects may be prevented or mitigated. Aspects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are evaluated where it may affect future reproductive health. The role of oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation is discussed. Guidelines are provided for clinicians. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hoofstuk 1 Hierdie is ‘n literatuuroorsig wat die insidensie van kanker in kinders en jong volwassenes ondersoek. Dit sluit die mees belangrike behandelingsopsies in, naamlik chemoterapie, radioterapie en chirurgie en die effek wat behandeling mag hê op toekomstige endokriene ontwikkeling en fertiliteit. ‘n Verskeidenheid kanker tipes word in meer detail beskryf. Hoofstuk 2 Hoofstuk 2 is ‘n literatuuroorsig oor die effekte van kankerchirurgie in vroue en die geleenthede tot beskerming van fertiliteit. Servikale kanker en voorlopers van servikale kanker word bespreek en die opsies vir konserwatiewe chirurgie in uitgesoekte pasiënte word gegee. ‘n Opsomming van die inligting wat beskikbaar is oor tragelektomie en swangerskap uitkomste word ingesluit. Ander ginekologiese kankers wat chirurgie mag benodig, word ook bespreek met verwysing na konserwatiewe hantering. Hoofstuk 3 ‘n Literatuuroorsig oor die mediese (farmakologiese) opsies vir die beskerming van ovariële funksie in pasiënte wat behandeling ontvang vir kanker. Die rol van gonadotropien-vrystellingshormoon-analoë en hormonale kontrasepsie vir ovariële onderdrukking word in detail bespreek. Hoofstuk 4 Hierdie hoofstuk ondersoek kiemselfisiologie met verwysing na vriesbewaring. Dit is verdeel in twee dele. Deel 1 is ‘n beskrywing van kiemsel- en follikelfisiologie en die beginsels van vriesbiologie. Dit word gevolg deur ‘n oorsig van oösiet vriesbewaring en ovariële weefselbewaring. Stadige bevriesing en vitrifikasie- metodes word bespreek. Die tweede deel van hoofstuk 4 is ‘n verslag oor ‘n gerandomiseerde, gekontroleerde evaluasie van twee stadige bevriesingsmetodes. Hierdie eksperimentele studie het die ultrastrukturele veranderinge vergelyk in vars en voorheen bevrore ovariële kortikale weefsel na ekwilibrasie en ontdooiing met twee verskillende vriesbeskermers. Dit is die eerste gerandomiseerde studie oor DMSO en PROH as vriesbeskermers. Hoofstuk 5 Hierdie hoofstuk handel oor ‘n ondersoek na vriesbewaring van ovariële weefsel as ‘n benadering tot beskerming van hormonale funksie en fertiliteit teen gonadotoksiese behandeling. Die hoofstuk bestaan uit twee dele. Die eerste deel is ‘n deeglike oorsig van die literatuur oor al die beskikbare werk wat handel oor terugplasing van voorheen bevrore ovariële weefsel. Die grootste pasiëntreeks van ‘n enkel instelling was slegs vyf pasiënte. ‘n Ander beskrywing van ses pasiënte het pasiënte van verskeie eenhede in Denemarke ingesluit. Deel 2 is ‘n beskrywing van ‘n groep pasiënte wat opgevolg is na oorplanting van voorheen bevrore ovariële kortikale weefsel. Opvolg hormoonvlakke van 13 gevalle word in detail bespreek. Hierdie is die grootste pasiëntreeks wat tot nog toe beskryf is. Die eksperimentele studie wat in hoofstuk 4 beskryf word en die kliniese studie wat in hoofstuk 5 beskryf word, is goedgekeur deur die etiese navorsingskomitee van die Fakulteit Gesondheidswetenskappe van die Universiteit Stellenbosch met die projeknommer N05/10/182 Hoofstuk 6 Hierdie is ‘n geïntegreerde oorsig van die voorkoms en behandeling van kanker in jong vroue en hoe die negatiewe effekte daarvan voorkom of verminder kan word. Aspekte van chemoterapie, radioterapie en chirurgie word geëvalueer ten opsigte van die effek op toekomstige reproduktiewe gesondheid. Die rol van oösiet- en ovariële weefselvriesbewaring word bespreek. Riglyne vir klinici word gegee.

研究背景：婦科癌症的診斷及各種相關的治療，對性功能、生活質素及心理健康都有負面的影響。文獻指出心理教育對婦科癌症病人這方面的影響有正面的效果，但是效用的証據並不一致。 / 系統化綜述: 本研究首先進行系統化綜述，並根據喬安娜．布里格斯的方法進行，目的在於確定心理教育對婦科癌症病人的性功能、生活質素及心理健康的功效，以及辨認一套有效的心理教育課程給予婦科癌症病人。總共有十一份隨機控制實驗的文獻，包括九百七十五位婦科癌症病人，被納入本綜述，其中四份可比較的文獻進行了薈萃分析。根據兩份評估心理教育對抑鬱功效的文獻薈萃結果顯示，心理教育對改善抑鬱徵狀有顯著的改善。另外兩份文獻評估心理教育對生活質素的功效，薈萃結果顯示心理教育對身理方面的生活質素未有明顯的改善，相反地，提供資訊性的教育對婦科癌症病人心理方面的生活質素有明顯的功效。關於心理教育對性功能的功效，似乎對性生活有所改善，但是並未能在性功能的評估工具反映出來。關於心理教育對心理健康的功效，除了抑鬱以外，似乎未有足夠的証據顯示有顯著的功效。系統化綜述建議心理教育予婦科癌症病人應包括三種元素：資訊提供、行為治療及心理支持；形式可以是個人、個人及伴侶共同參予、或小組；應由護士提供；於癌症治療開始前進行，直至出院後；包括四堂課程，每堂三十分鐘至一小時完成。 / 試驗性研究目的：試驗性研究目的是測試提供一套根據系統化綜述結果設計的心理教育予香港婦科癌症病人的可行性，以及評估該課程對改善香港婦科癌症病人的性功能、生活質素、及心理健康的功效。 / 試驗性研究方法：試驗性研究採用隨機控制實驗的方法，把二十六位婦科癌症病人分配到兩個不同的組別。實驗組的參加者，接受一套心理教育；對照組的參加者於實驗組的同一時段收到研究員的訪問。不論哪個組別的參加者，都會進行指標評估，包括性功能、生活質素、不明朗、社交支持、焦慮及抑鬱的狀況。研究指標分別在手術前(T0)、手術後及住院期間(T1)，和手術後8星期(T2)。實驗組的參加者及於臨床工作的護士更會被邀請進行了簡單的傾談，從而了解她們對此心理教育的意見及感受。非參數統計推斷方法用以檢驗組內和組間於上述各指標的差異。實驗組的參加者及護士參予的面談，會進行錄音及內容分析。 / 研究結果：於兩組之間的比較，實驗組的參加者對疾病資料的不一致，有顯著的改善。但是，兩組之間的性功能、生活質素、不明朗、社交支持、焦慮及抑鬱均未有顯著的分別。參加者於面談中指出，心理教育可減低婦科癌症病人的壓力，對她們來說有著實際的用途。 / 研究結論：系統化綜述顯示心理教育對婦科癌症病人有正面的功效。雖然試驗性研究的定量資料結果指出心理教育對香港的婦科癌症病人，除了對疾病資料的不一致有所改善外，在其他各方面的評估，均未有顯著的功效，但是，品質數據的結果顯示婦科癌症病人確實需要心理教育，而此教育於臨床環境實行是可行的。 / Background: A diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancer (GC) has adverse effects on the sexual functioning, quality of life and psychological outcomes of patients. Psychoeducational interventions (PEIs) are recommended for GC patients to improve their outcomes, but evidence for their effectiveness is far from conclusive. / Systematic review: A systematic review was first carried out according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach to identify the best available evidence relating to the effectiveness of PEIs for GC patients in sexual functioning, quality of life and psychological outcomes. A total of 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 975 GC patients were included in the systematic review, but only four comparable studies were appropriate for meta-analysis. PEIs significantly improved depressive symptoms, standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.80, 95% CI [-1.05 to -0.54], p = < .00001, among the patients. However, there was no significant benefit to the physical aspect of quality of life, SMD = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.45 to 0.20], p = .46. Conversely, information-only therapy demonstrated significant effects on the mental aspects of quality of life, SMD = -0.41, 95% CI [-0.74 to -0.08], p = .01. In addition, from qualitative data, PEIs appeared to be helpful in improving sexual life, but changes in sexual functioning scores were not statistically significant. The interventions appeared to have only limited beneficial effect on anxiety, distress, adjustment to illness and uncertainty, and had no significant effect in improving mood, self-esteem or ability to cope. The review also suggested that PEIs for GC patients would incorporate information provision, behavior therapy and psychological support. The format might be individual, with or without a partner’s participation, or in a group. A nurse was found to be the ideal provider. The interventions could be arranged at the start of cancer treatment and then be continued after discharge, and the number of sessions might be four, each lasting between 30 minutes and one hour. / Aim of pilot study: A program of PEIs was designed based on the systematic review, and piloted on Hong Kong GC patients to test the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing the interventions in Hong Kong. / Pilot research plan: The pilot study was a single-blinded RCT and mix-method design. Twenty-six subjects were randomly assigned to either the intervention or attention control group. The intervention group received the program of PEIs, while the attention control group received attention from the researcher over the same period. Data collection was carried out at baseline (T0), after the operation and during the in-hospital period (T1) and eight weeks after the operation (T2). Qualitative data was collected from the intervention group and nurses working in the clinical setting at T2. Non-parametric tests were used to compare the baseline and various outcome variables within and between groups. Audio-tapes of semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim, and content analysis was performed to identify significant themes. / Key findings of pilot study: Participants in the intervention group had statistically significantly less inconsistent information on illness than the attention control group, but there were no statistically significant differences in all other outcome variables including sexual functioning, quality of life, uncertainty, social support, anxiety and depression. Qualitative data from the participants indicated the program of PEIs reduced their stress level and was useful. / Conclusion: The systematic review demonstrated evidence of the positive effects of PEIs on GC patients. Although there were no significant effects appearing in most quantitative results of the intervention program in the pilot study, the qualitative results indicated that the interventions were found desirable by Hong Kong GC patients. Nurses identified implementing the program as feasible in clinical settings. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Chow, Ka Ming. / Thesis (D.Nurs.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 185-204). / Abstracts also in Chinese; appendixes includes Chinese. / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Aims and significance of the study --- p.4 / Chapter 1.3 --- Overview of the thesis --- p.4 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- LITERATURE REVIEW / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2 --- Impact of GC on sexual functioning --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Mixed types of GC --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Ovarian cancer --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Cervical cancer --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Impact of GC on sexual functioning in Chinese culture --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3 --- Impact of GC on quality of life --- p.18 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Mixed types of GC --- p.19 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Cervical cancer --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Impact of GC on quality of life in Chinese culture --- p.24 / Chapter 2.4 --- Impact of GC on psychological well-being --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Mixed types of GC --- p.26 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Cervical cancer --- p.29 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Impact of GC on psychological well-being in Chinese culture --- p.30 / Chapter 2.5 --- Current nursing practice on sexuality with GC patients --- p.30 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Attitudes of health-care professionals towards sexuality --- p.31 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Information needs of GC patients --- p.33 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Sexuality assessment --- p.35 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- Sexuality interventions --- p.37 / Chapter 2.6 --- Psychoeducational interventions (PEIs) --- p.38 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Theoretical background --- p.38 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Effects of PEIs on cancer patients --- p.40 / Chapter 2.6.3 --- Effects of PEIs on GC patients --- p.42 / Chapter 2.7 --- Summary --- p.44 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- SYSTEMATIC REVIEW (PHASE I) / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.46 / Chapter 3.2 --- Review objectives and questions --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3 --- Inclusion criteria --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Types of studies --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Types of participants --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Types of interventions --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Types of outcome measures --- p.49 / Chapter 3.4 --- Search strategy --- p.50 / Chapter 3.5 --- Methods of the review --- p.52 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Assessment of methodological quality --- p.52 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Data extraction --- p.52 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Data synthesis --- p.53 / Chapter 3.6 --- Systematic review results --- p.54 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Description of studies’ retrieval and selection --- p.54 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Methodological quality of the included studies --- p.57 / Chapter 3.6.2.1 --- Randomization --- p.57 / Chapter 3.6.2.2 --- Blinding --- p.57 / Chapter 3.6.2.3 --- Consent and completion rates --- p.58 / Chapter 3.6.2.4 --- Power estimation --- p.58 / Chapter 3.6.2.5 --- Result data --- p.58 / Chapter 3.6.3 --- Details of the included studies --- p.59 / Chapter 3.6.3.1 --- Country of origin --- p.59 / Chapter 3.6.3.2 --- Samples --- p.59 / Chapter 3.6.3.3 --- Components of PEIs --- p.59 / Chapter 3.6.3.4 --- Comparison group --- p.61 / Chapter 3.6.3.5 --- Format of PEIs --- p.62 / Chapter 3.6.3.6 --- Provider of PEIs --- p.62 / Chapter 3.6.3.7 --- Provision time frame of PEIs --- p.63 / Chapter 3.6.3.8 --- Duration of PEIs --- p.63 / Chapter 3.6.3.9 --- Outcome measurements --- p.64 / Chapter 3.6.4 --- Effects of PEIs on outcomes --- p.64 / Chapter 3.6.4.1 --- Sexual functioning --- p.65 / Chapter 3.6.4.2 --- Quality of life --- p.65 / Chapter 3.6.4.3 --- Psychological outcomes --- p.68 / Chapter 3.6.4.3.1 --- Anxiety and depression --- p.68 / Chapter 3.6.4.3.2 --- Distress --- p.70 / Chapter 3.6.4.3.3 --- Adjustment to illness --- p.71 / Chapter 3.6.4.3.4 --- Mood --- p.71 / Chapter 3.6.4.3.5 --- Self-esteem --- p.72 / Chapter 3.6.4.3.6 --- Uncertainty --- p.72 / Chapter 3.6.4.3.7 --- Coping --- p.72 / Chapter 3.6.4.4 --- Brief summary --- p.72 / Chapter 3.6.5 --- Design of PEIs --- p.73 / Chapter 3.6.5.1 --- Effective components --- p.73 / Chapter 3.6.5.2 --- Effective format --- p.75 / Chapter 3.6.5.3 --- Effective provider --- p.76 / Chapter 3.6.5.4 --- Effective provision time frame --- p.76 / Chapter 3.6.5.5 --- Effective duration --- p.77 / Chapter 3.7 --- Discussion --- p.78 / Chapter 3.7.1 --- Effects of PEIs on sexual functioning --- p.80 / Chapter 3.7.2 --- Effects of PEIs on quality of life --- p.82 / Chapter 3.7.3 --- Effects of PEIs on psychological outcomes --- p.84 / Chapter 3.7.3.1 --- Anxiety and depression --- p.84 / Chapter 3.7.3.2 --- Distress --- p.86 / Chapter 3.7.3.3 --- Adjustment to illness --- p.87 / Chapter 3.7.3.4 --- Mood --- p.87 / Chapter 3.7.3.5 --- Self-esteem --- p.88 / Chapter 3.7.3.6 --- Uncertainty --- p.88 / Chapter 3.7.3.7 --- Coping --- p.89 / Chapter 3.7.4 --- Design of PEIs --- p.89 / Chapter 3.7.4.1 --- Effective components and theories --- p.89 / Chapter 3.7.4.2 --- Effective format --- p.92 / Chapter 3.7.4.3 --- Effective provider --- p.93 / Chapter 3.7.4.4 --- Effective provision time frame --- p.93 / Chapter 3.7.4.5 --- Effective duration --- p.94 / Chapter 3.8 --- Summary of systematic review --- p.95 / Chapter 3.8.1 --- Implications for practice --- p.95 / Chapter 3.8.2 --- Implications for research --- p.97 / Chapter 3.9 --- Summary --- p.100 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- METHODOLOGY OF PILOT STUDY (PHASE II) / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.102 / Chapter 4.2 --- Rationale for conducting a pilot study --- p.102 / Chapter 4.3 --- Aims and objectives --- p.103 / Chapter 4.4 --- Operational definition --- p.104 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Psychoeducational interventions (PEIs) --- p.104 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Sexual functioning --- p.105 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Quality of life --- p.105 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Uncertainty --- p.105 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Anxiety --- p.106 / Chapter 4.4.6 --- Depression --- p.106 / Chapter 4.4.7 --- Social support --- p.106 / Chapter 4.5 --- Interventions --- p.107 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Program of PEIs --- p.107 / Chapter 4.5.1.1 --- Theoretical framework underpinning the interventions --- p.107 / Chapter 4.5.1.2 --- Components of the program of PEIs --- p.113 / Chapter 4.5.1.2.1 --- Information provision --- p.113 / Chapter 4.5.1.2.2 --- Behavioral therapy --- p.113 / Chapter 4.5.1.2.3 --- Psychological support --- p.114 / Chapter 4.5.1.3 --- Design of the program of PEIs --- p.115 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Attention control --- p.121 / Chapter 4.5.3 --- Usual care --- p.122 / Chapter 4.6 --- Methodology --- p.123 / Chapter 4.6.1 --- Study design --- p.123 / Chapter 4.6.2 --- Study setting --- p.125 / Chapter 4.6.3 --- Sample --- p.126 / Chapter 4.6.3.1 --- Sampling method --- p.126 / Chapter 4.6.3.2 --- Sample size determination --- p.127 / Chapter 4.6.3.3 --- Recruitment process --- p.128 / Chapter 4.7 --- Data collection --- p.129 / Chapter 4.7.1 --- Measures --- p.129 / Chapter 4.7.2 --- Study instruments --- p.130 / Chapter 4.7.2.1 --- Demographic data sheet --- p.130 / Chapter 4.7.2.2 --- Sexual functioning --- p.131 / Chapter 4.7.2.2.1 --- Justification for choosing the instrument --- p.134 / Chapter 4.7.2.3 --- Quality of life --- p.134 / Chapter 4.7.2.3.1 --- Justification for choosing the instrument --- p.136 / Chapter 4.7.2.4 --- Uncertainty --- p.136 / Chapter 4.7.2.4.1 --- Justification for choosing the instrument --- p.138 / Chapter 4.7.2.5 --- Social support --- p.139 / Chapter 4.7.2.5.1 --- Justification for choosing the instrument --- p.141 / Chapter 4.7.2.6 --- Anxiety and depression --- p.141 / Chapter 4.7.2.6.1 --- Justification for choosing the instrument --- p.143 / Chapter 4.7.2.7 --- Semi-structure interview --- p.144 / Chapter 4.7.2.7.1 --- Intervention recipients --- p.144 / Chapter 4.7.2.7.2 --- Health-care providers --- p.144 / Chapter 4.7.3 --- Data collection procedure --- p.145 / Chapter 4.8 --- Data analysis --- p.149 / Chapter 4.8.1 --- Quantitative data --- p.149 / Chapter 4.8.1.1 --- Comparison of baseline data --- p.151 / Chapter 4.8.1.2 --- Comparison of outcome variables --- p.151 / Chapter 4.8.2 --- Qualitative data --- p.153 / Chapter 4.9 --- Ethical considerations --- p.154 / Chapter 4.1 --- Summary --- p.155 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- RESULTS OF THE PILOT STUDY / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.156 / Chapter 5.2 --- Recruitment of participants --- p.157 / Chapter 5.3 --- Characteristics of all participants --- p.159 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Demographic and clinical characteristics --- p.159 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Homogeneity of the participants --- p.161 / Chapter 5.4 --- Baseline outcome variables --- p.164 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Baseline outcome variables of all participants --- p.164 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Comparison of baseline outcome variables between intervention and attention control groups --- p.166 / Chapter 5.5 --- Outcome variables within-group changes --- p.168 / Chapter 5.5.1 --- Quality of life --- p.168 / Chapter 5.5.2 --- Uncertainty --- p.170 / Chapter 5.5.3 --- Social support --- p.174 / Chapter 5.5.4 --- Anxiety and depression --- p.179 / Chapter 5.6 --- Outcome variables between-group changes --- p.181 / Chapter 5.6.1 --- Sexual functioning --- p.181 / Chapter 5.6.2 --- Quality of life --- p.184 / Chapter 5.6.3 --- Uncertainty --- p.185 / Chapter 5.6.4 --- Social support --- p.187 / Chapter 5.6.5 --- Anxiety and depression --- p.190 / Chapter 5.7 --- Feasibility of implementing the PEI program in Hong Kong clinical settings --- p.191 / Chapter 5.7.1 --- Intervention recipients’ perspective --- p.191 / Chapter 5.7.1.1 --- Emotional support --- p.192 / Chapter 5.7.1.1.1 --- Offering psychology support --- p.192 / Chapter 5.7.1.1.2 --- Removing worries about sexual life --- p.192 / Chapter 5.7.1.2 --- Informational support --- p.193 / Chapter 5.7.1.2.1 --- Acquiring knowledge on illness --- p.193 / Chapter 5.7.1.2.2 --- Behavioral therapy helpful in post-operative care --- p.193 / Chapter 5.7.1.2.3 --- Resources available in the community --- p.194 / Chapter 5.7.1.3 --- Elements of the program --- p.194 / Chapter 5.7.1.3.1 --- Appropriate design of the interventions --- p.194 / Chapter 5.7.1.3.2 --- Content of information provided --- p.195 / Chapter 5.7.1.4 --- Feelings towards the program --- p.195 / Chapter 5.7.1.4.1 --- Appreciation of the interventions --- p.195 / Chapter 5.7.1.4.2 --- Lack of GC health education --- p.196 / Chapter 5.7.2 --- Health-care providers perspective --- p.196 / Chapter 5.7.2.1 --- Opinions regarding the program --- p.197 / Chapter 5.7.2.1.1 --- Quality of information provided --- p.197 / Chapter 5.7.2.1.2 --- Usefulness of the interventions --- p.197 / Chapter 5.7.2.2 --- Suggestions for improvement --- p.198 / Chapter 5.7.2.2.1 --- Content of information provided --- p.198 / Chapter 5.7.2.2.2 --- Format of the interventions --- p.199 / Chapter 5.7.2.2.3 --- Coverage of the patient population --- p.199 / Chapter 5.7.2.3 --- Feasibility of implementing the program in Hong Kong --- p.200 / Chapter 5.7.2.3.1 --- Anticipated barriers --- p.200 / Chapter 5.7.2.3.2 --- Solutions to the barriers --- p.201 / Chapter 5.8 --- Summary --- p.201 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- DISCUSSION OF THE PILOT STUDY / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.205 / Chapter 6.2 --- Baseline characteristics of the participants --- p.205 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Demographic and clinical characteristics --- p.206 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Baseline outcome variables --- p.208 / Chapter 6.3 --- Effectiveness of the PEI program --- p.211 / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Quality of life --- p.211 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- Uncertainty --- p.214 / Chapter 6.3.3 --- Social support --- p.216 / Chapter 6.3.4 --- Anxiety and depression --- p.218 / Chapter 6.3.5 --- Sexual functioning --- p.221 / Chapter 6.4 --- Feasibility of implementing the PEI program in Hong Kong --- p.223 / Chapter 6.4.1 --- Intervention recipients’ perspective --- p.223 / Chapter 6.4.2 --- Health-care providers’ perspective --- p.226 / Chapter 6.5 --- Limitations of the pilot study --- p.229 / Chapter 6.5.1 --- Four types of validity threats --- p.229 / Chapter 6.5.2 --- Limitations in attention placebo, intervention format and integrity --- p.232 / Chapter 6.6 --- Summary --- p.234 / Chapter CHAPTER 7 --- CONCLUSION / Chapter 7.1 --- Introduction --- p.235 / Chapter 7.2 --- Implications for nursing practice --- p.235 / Chapter 7.3 --- Implications for future research --- p.236 / Chapter 7.4 --- Conclusion --- p.239 / REFERENCES --- p.241 / APPENDICES --- p.267