International Journal of Nursing Research

Objective To thoroughly investigate the current status of kinesiophobia in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) regarding the limb with the catheter, and to explore the intervention strategies for kinesiophobia in these patients. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 breast cancer patients with PICC chemotherapy and their caregivers. After summarising the interview contents, focus group interviews were carried out with 2 PICC nursing experts and 1 psychology expert. The phenomenological research method was used to analyse the interview data. Results Three themes and nine sub-themes were extracted: the roots of kinesiophobia (fear of physical harm, foreign body sensation discomfort, lack of knowledge); the behaviours and emotional manifestations of kinesiophobia (limb restriction, emotional distress, sleep disorders); and the intervention measures to alleviate kinesiophobia (science popularisation education, empathetic communication, group intervention). Conclusion During the process of breast cancer PICC chemotherapy, medical staff should pay special attention to patients kinesiophobia of the limb with the catheter. By formulating comprehensive and detailed health education plans, implementing targeted psychological intervention strategies and group counselling programmes, patients kinesiophobia can be effectively alleviated,thereby enhancing their self-care ability and significantly improving their quality of life.

Breast cancer; PICC; Chemotherapy; Kinesiophobia; Qualitative research