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Experiences and desired nursing assistance of women on out‐patient breast cancer chemotherapy in Southeastern Nigeria
Author(s) -
Anarado A. N.,
Ezeome E. R.,
Ofi O. B.,
Nwaneri A. C.,
Ogbolu Y.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.4034
Subject(s) - breast cancer , thematic analysis , medicine , focus group , qualitative research , nursing , coping (psychology) , chemotherapy , grounded theory , empowerment , cyclophosphamide , distress , family medicine , cancer , clinical psychology , sociology , social science , anthropology , political science , law
Objective This study explored the experiences and nursing support needs of women undergoing out‐patient breast cancer chemotherapy in two teaching hospitals in Southeastern Nigeria. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive design, based on grounded theory approach and focus group discussion (FGD) methodology, 20 histological confirmed breast cancer patients at different stages of combination chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil ) were purposively selected and engaged in FGDs at two surgical oncology clinics. Data saturation was reached at the fourth FGD. The audio‐taped and transcribed data were content analyzed using thematic approach. Results Participants were all christians of the Igbo‐speaking ethnic group, and aged between 36 and 66 years. Most were married and had at least primary education. Five themes emerged from the FGDs: inadequate preparation for chemotherapy; chemotherapy scary, distressful, and financially demanding; hope, faith and courage sustained treatment; self‐care actions initiated to ‘weather the storm’; and nursing assistance desired to foster hope and enhance patients' acceptance of, adjustment and adherence to breast cancer chemotherapy in Nigeria. Culture influenced their chemotherapy perspectives and coping. Conclusion Women with breast cancer in southeastern Nigeria desired but were inadequately prepared to cope with chemotherapy distress they experienced. Nurses could help patients to accept and navigate through chemotherapy by initiating and supporting effective and efficient self‐care actions that are culturally congruent.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.