Challenges experienced by cancer patients receiving treatment at Oshakati oncology clinic, Oshana region, Namibia

  • Authors

    • Ester Mulenga University of Namibia
    • Elise Mutanga Ministry of Health
    2021-12-16
    https://doi.org/10.14419/ijans.v10i2.31834
  • Cancer Patient, Challenges, Oncology Clinic, Receiving, Treatment.

  • Abstract

    People living with cancer encounter different problems; some are related to their diagnoses and treatment. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the challenges experienced by cancer patients receiving treatment at Oshakati oncology clinic in Namibia. A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted using purposive sampling and twelve patients diagnosed with different types of cancer were interviewed using unstructured individual in-depth interview. Data were transcribed verbatim and Tesch `s method was used to analyze the data.

    The study revealed multifaceted challenges which include physical constraints such as physical ailments, long distance to health facilities and excessive travelling; financial and resource constraints as well as other challenges such as negative attitudes of health workers, poor communication and inadequate provision of information to patients. The study concluded that understanding those challenges will assist the government, private sectors, non- governmental organization and health workers to come up with intervention strategies to support cancer patients effectively. The study recommends the need to decentralize oncology services and to provide in-service training to the health workers working with patients living with cancer.

     

     

  • References

    1. [1] Ahmadiani S, & Nikafar S (2017). Challenges of access to medicine and the responsibility of pharmaceutical companies: A Legal perspective. DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 45(2), 185-192.

      [2] Butterfield LH, Kaufman, HL, & Marincola FM (2017). Cancer immunotherapy principles and practices (1st ed.). Dalas, United State of America: Demos medical. https://doi.org/10.1891/9781617052736.

      [3] Chou FY, Kuang LY, Lee J, Yoo GJ, Fung LC (2016). Challenges in cancer self-management of patients with limited English proficiency. Asia- Pacific Journal of Oncology. 3(3) https://doi.org/10.4103/2347-5625.189815.

      [4] Creswell JK. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approach (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publication.

      [5] Edwards LB & Greef LE (2017). Exploring grassroots feedback about cancer challenges in South Africa: A discussion of themes derived from content thematic analysis of 316 photon narratives. Pan African Medical Journal. 28(173). https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2017.28.173.11894.

      [6] Hansen LA. (2012, Feb 9). Challenges patients face in cancer care. Implications for the health care team. Web exclusive.

      [7] Livingston J (2012). Improvising medicine: An African oncology ward in an emerging cancer epidemic (1st ed.). United Kingdom: Duke University Press. https://doi.org/10.1515/9780822395768.

      [8] Miller P (2008). Unstoppable attitude: Facing the challenge of Cancer (4th ed.). California: iUniverse.

      [9] Owenga AJ & Nyambedha OE. (2018). Perception of cervical cancer patients on their financial challenges in Western Kenya. BioMed Central Journal, 88(2), 562-680.

      [10] Ramos KE, Hoffmann DA, Gerson LS, Liu H (2017). New opportunities and challenges to defeat cancer stem cells. Health Research Reviews, 39(8), 54-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2017.08.007.

      [11] The effect of cancer on social and emotional wellbeing (n.d). Social and emotional issues related to cancer. Retrieved from www.beyondblue.org.au

      [12] Walubita M, Sikateyo B, Zulu JM (2015). Challenges for health care providers, parents and patients who face A childhood cancer diagnosis in Zambia. Health Services Research, 36(1), 56-65.

      [13] Whitney RL, Bell JF, & Joseph JG (2016). Predictors of financial difficulties and work modifications among cancer survivors in the United Nation. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 10(2), 241-250. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-015-0470-y.

      [14] Yabroff KR, Dowling EC, & Ekwueme DU (2008). Financial hardship associated with Cancer in the United States: Finding from a population-based sample of adult cancer survivors. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 15(1), 78-84.

      [15] Zheng P, Li J, & Kros MJ (2017) Breakthroughs in modern cancer therapy and elusive cardiotoxicity: Critical research practice gaps, challenges, and insights. Medical Research Reviews, 31(7), 125-137.

  • Downloads

  • How to Cite

    Mulenga, E., & Mutanga, E. (2021). Challenges experienced by cancer patients receiving treatment at Oshakati oncology clinic, Oshana region, Namibia. International Journal of Advanced Nursing Studies, 10(2), 19-22. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijans.v10i2.31834

    Received date: 2021-10-21

    Accepted date: 2021-11-20

    Published date: 2021-12-16