| Abstract [eng] |
Master thesis of Rugilė Žukauskaitė, scientific supervisor doc. dr. Jonas Grincevičius. Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy center. Title of the thesis: Analysis of The Experiences of Women With Chronic Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Aim of the study: To analyse the experiences of women with chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis. Tasks of the research: 1. To uncover the emotional experiences of women with chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis in the diseased body. 2. To describe the emotional experiences of women with chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis in their interactions with others. 3. Identify the emotional experiences of women with chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis over time. 4. To highlight the emotional experiences of women with chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis in space. Methods: The data were collected using semi-structured individual interviews, which were analysed using In Vivo and emotional coding methods. Van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological framework was used to structure the analysis. Study participants: Adult women of reproductive age, with confirmed chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Results: Bodiliness reveals that chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis is associated with itching, burning, pain and symptoms of overstretching, leading to constant physical and emotional bodily tension and sleep disturbance. Identifying a relationship, women experience emotional stress, shame, fatigue and difficulty in their sexual life with their partner. Temporality highlights the fact that at the onset of the illness women feel frightened and insecure, which leads to uncertainty and anxiety. As the disease becomes chronic, over time many women come to terms with the disease and learn to manage it. The results of the spatial analysis reveal that the home is the place where women feel most comfortable and safe, but at the same time it is the place where they feel most isolated due to daily chores, family care and the restriction of intimacy in the bedroom. Conclusions: 1. Women with chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis experience not only physical but also emotional bodily experiences in the diseased body. These include depression, anxiety, fear, stress and other negative bodily feelings. The bodily experiences experienced by sufferers have a significant impact on daily life, health and well-being. 2. Women with chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis are exposed to interactions with people around them, such as relatives, healthcare professionals, acquaintances or strangers. This includes emotional stress, shame and difficulty in their sex life. Those close to the woman show care and concern for her health, but others do not understand the situation and do not know how to react appropriately. Health professionals provide women with treatment and advice, but patients are uncomfortable talking about their symptoms and difficulties. It is important for women to have an open and conscious relationship with their relatives, health professionals and others in order to be able to access the necessary support and understanding. 3. Women with chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis experience the disease over time. Initially, there is despair, frustration and discomfort at the symptoms, but as the disease becomes chronic, the emotional experiences change. Women feel tired, helpless, desperate, and the long journey of treatment leads to anxiety about "how long it will last". Patients feel the urge to plan for the future or to change their life plans. 4. Women with chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis have emotional experiences that vary according to the space they are in. This is related to several factors, such as physical environmental factors (e.g. clothing), social activities (e.g. workplace) or psychological reactions to certain spaces (e.g. metaphorical places). The spaces in which women are present in chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis have a significant impact on their emotional well-being and attitudes. |
