Belonging and quality of life as perceived by people with advanced cancer who live at home

Purpose: In previous research (Peoples, Nissen, Brandt, & la Cour, 2017), we explored how people with advanced cancer who live at home perceive quality of life. Findings from our previous study indicate that dimensions of belonging in various ways may be connected to quality of life when living with an impending death. These findings prompted our curiosity to further explore, how perceived quality of life may be linked to belonging when living with advanced cancer. By drawing on our findings and the theoretical concept of belonging within occupational science, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which quality of life may be related to belonging as perceived by people with advanced cancer. Method: The study employed a qualitative approach using a combination of qualitative interviews and photo-elicitation. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data. Ten participants took part in the study. Results: The findings suggest that belonging was linked to aspects of the participants’ understandings of quality of life and was expressed as 1) belonging and the importance of people who matter, and 2) belonging through contributing to others and staying connected. The findings furthermore indicate that objects such as personal items and everyday technology may serve as means through which people with advanced cancer may experience dimensions of belongings. Implications in relation to OS: This study adds to knowledge within occupational science of how quality of life and belonging may be linked. However, there is a need for further research, for example to understand how objects may be linked to dimensions of belonging, and to understand potential negative connotation of belonging, such as feelings of isolation. Questions for discussion: • How may research about quality of life from the perspective of people living with a life-threatening illness, add to knowledge of the concept of belonging within the occupational science literature? • How may knowledge about potential barriers of belonging contribute to the concept of belonging in the occupational science literature? Key words: End-of-life, everyday life, photo-elicitation. References Peoples, H., Nissen, N., Brandt, Å., & la Cour, K. (2017). Perceptions of quality of life by people with advanced cancer who live at home. Scand J Caring Sci, (In review - unpublished manuscript).