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Al Onazi et al. Plast Aesthet Res 2020;7:23 I http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2019.74 Page 13 of 14

strategy. Fourth, judgement when interpreting qualitative research is inevitably biased by the researchers’
perspective. Although there may be different ways to interpret the data, we used a known framework and
methodology to address this issue and to help us understand and better represent the findings. Fifth, very
little research exists examining adherence to daytime compression, thus we were limited in our ability to
make comparisons to findings of other studies.

In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that, among past-participants of the LYNC trial, adherence
to daytime compression sleeve use is less than optimal. While participants reported having good knowledge
on the benefits of compression and the skills associated with use of a sleeve, numerous barriers to wear
exist. The key themes related to barriers/non-use included discomfort, negative emotions, interference with
function, social situations and visibility, and the use of alternative strategies. Further research is needed
to explore the relative benefit of daytime compression and optimal wear times, as well as implementable
strategies to improve adherence to daytime compression.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Made substantial contributions to conception and design of the study and performed data analysis and
interpretation: Al Onazi M, Dolgoy N, Parkinson J, McNeely ML
Performed data acquisition, as well as provided administrative, technical, and material support: Al Onazi M,
Dolgoy N, Parkinson J, McNeely ML

Availability of data and materials
Data supporting the findings of the study will be deposited in a data repository at the University of Alberta.

Financial support and sponsorship
This work was supported by an Alberta Cancer Foundation Investigator Initiated Trials Grant and through
funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Conflicts of interest
All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta: Cancer Committee for
this additional follow-up component of the LYNC study. All participants provided amended informed
consent.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2020.

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