Physical and psychosocial impact of xerostomia in palliative cancer care: a qualitative interview study

Abstract

Xerostomia is often considered to be merely a physical problem. The aim of this study was to explore the global effects of xerostomia, with a specific focus on psychological and social consequences. Semi-structured, tape-recorded interviews were conducted with 16 patients with advanced malignancies and symptomatic xerostomia. A phenomenographic (qualitative) analysis was performed. Four main categories were identified in the study: 1) subjective discomfort, e.g. dryness or burning sensation, 2) loss of function, e.g. articulation or swallowing, (3) increased infection, (oral thrush and ulcerations), 4) psychosocial effects, including shame, increased feelings of being a patient rather than a person and a tendency to avoid social contact, resulting in loneliness. Xerostomia and its associated symptoms have a considerable, negative global impact, resulting in shame, anxiety, disappointments and verbal communication difficulties. There should therefore be more focus on the management of xerostomia, which is often neglected in palliative care.