Quality of life and coping strategies for breast cancer patients who have undergone mastectomy at St Francis Mission hospital in Katete, Zambia.
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Date
2025
Authors
Zimba, Fordson
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Globally, approximately 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women, with around 56,500 cases of ductal carcinoma. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in Africa, with an estimated 198,553 new cases. In Zambia, total number of women diagnosed with breast cancer is 1,111 cases. St Francis Mission Hospital has an average of 5 breast cancer surgery cases monthly Following mastectomy, women experience quality of life in different dimensions. Therefore, quality of life includes patients’ physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of everyday life. Coping strategies in cancer involved were positive affirmation, social interaction and having hope. The study aimed at investigating the quality of life and coping strategies among breast cancer women who have undergone mastectomy. The study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design. In-depth interviews guided by an interview guide were conducted on the 15 participants after attaining data saturation.
Thematic analysis was utilized for data analysis using themes generated from participant’s responses. Five themes were identified in this study: physical pain, emotional distress turmoil, social issues after social isolation, psychological journey after surgery and spiritual life. Participant’s
experienced impaired quality of life. Physical pain resulted into experiences of fatigue and limited activity hence the participants were unable conduct activities of daily living both at home and their places of work. For emotional distress turmoil had encompassed self-image with low self-esteem
because of the mastectomy which had distorted their body image. Social issues after social isolation included personal relationships and employment interferences due to hospital admissions. Psychological journey after surgery ranged from anxiety, fear, and anger. Participants had fear of death and cancer reoccurrence. Positive affirmation as coping strategy showed that the participant had a positive mind and hope that they would still live longer.
The study showed that the quality of life was impaired because of the effect on physical, psychological, emotional and social domains. This study recommends provision of psychosocial support programs such as engagement of more cancer support groups for cancer patients. Nursing implication includes implementing an individualised patient-ccare that consider psychological sensitivity and coping strategies that will enhance the overall quality of oncology nursing practice.
Key Words: Breast cancer, quality of life and Coping strategies.
Description
Thesis of Master of Science in Oncology Nursing.