Mr. X's Impact On Chronic Illness And Social Life

Introduction

Over the past few years, especially among the middle aged population, chronic illness has significantly increased in prevalence (Markle et al., 2015). It is now considered as the major cause of mortality and disability around the world, replacing infectious disease (World Health Organization, 2013). Treatment and cure are not just needed by individuals who are faced with chronic illness but patient management and care are also essential (Markle et al., 2015). The lives of chronic illness patients as well as those around them are significantly impacted by the illness (Nettleton, 2006).

The daily life regimens and social interactions are at threat for those who suffer from chronic illness, which impacts on medical interventions

During Mr X’s treatment for hepatitis C he had to “get a lot of days off and this affected [his] work”, which illustrates the unexpected events that can happen leading to negative consequences. The treatment that Mr X had to undergo made him tired and “the drugs affected [his] mental state as [he] was sentimental and depressive”, which in turn affected his social life. Mr X “didn’t like going out” as he explained it was due to his depression and fatigue, and as he “obsessed and focused a lot on the illness”, this might have reduced his social interactions. Bury (1982), used the term ‘biographical disruption’ to describe such phenomenon or experiences. It occurs when either the routines of daily life, family and social networks, or the expectations of the future are disrupted (Bury, 1982). Although the interviewed individuals suffered from rheumatoid arthritis (Bury, 1982), which is different to hepatitis C and prostate cancer, it is still a chronic illness and hence the term ‘biographical disruption’ applies to Mr

Chronic illness does not only impact the patient but the illness also influences or affects the well being of people around them such as members of their family (Roberts et al., 2002). Mr X pointed out that, as a result of suffering from hepatitis C and prostate cancer his “kids are more aware of it” and that they understand the risk factors associated. Similarly, Mr X mentioned that his “dad died from terminal cancer” and because of it he was particularly cautious for prostate cancer. On the contrary, as several relatives of Mr X including himself suffered from prostate cancer, there seems to be a burden on Mr X’s wife as he says that his “wife worries more about sons and their future”. Although Mr X did not talk much about his wife, a study conducted by Kuyper and Wester (1998) cited in Roberts et al. (2002), highlighted that the spouse of the patient is likely to experience fatigue, have bad mental health, and the illness will even cause a strain to their relationship. This is due to the stress that is brought about from financial problems, changes of roles among the family, and the limited opportunities of life when one’s spouse suffers from chronic illness (Patterson and McCubbin, 1983 cited in Roberts et al.,