King-Shier, Kathryn M.Shartau, Kristi2019-07-242019-07-242019-07-19Shartau, K. (2019). The Experiences of Individuals Re-engaging in Sexual Relationships Following a Bone Marrow Transplant (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.http://hdl.handle.net/1880/110662More than 50,000 individuals worldwide receive a bone marrow transplant annually, and this incidence is increasing. Sexual function is a common long-term concern after a bone marrow transplant (BMT). Studies have demonstrated though important to patients, healthcare providers are often remiss in addressing these concerns. Thus, Straussian Grounded Theory was used to seek a deeper understanding of the process BMT patients undergo to reintegrate their sexual relationships following a bone marrow transplant. Qualitative themes that emerged included: identifying importance, taking responsibility, seeking resources, and navigating the partnered-relationship. Gender permeated each of these themes. These events occurred in a non-linear process of seeking a new normal and could apply at any time point during the treatment trajectory. The core category of seeking a new normal’ refers to the process participants will go through while searching for ‘normalization’ and trying to get back to the condition they were in before diagnosis. Gaining an understanding of the process patients go through when integrating back into their sexual lives post-transplant will facilitate awareness about the impact a transplant can have on a patient’s sexual health.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.sexual healthbone marrow transplantoncologyqualitativegrounded theorystraussian grounded theoryEducation--HealthNursingOncologymaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/36762