Cancer patient’s experience of long COVID-19 at the cancer diseases hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.
| dc.contributor.author | Mooya, Active | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-06-25T09:21:19Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-06-25T09:21:19Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description | Thesis of Master of Science in Oncology Nursing. | |
| dc.description.abstract | Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to the effects of Long COVID-19 due to their immunecompromised state. The intersection of cancer and Long COVID-19 presents unique challenges, including disruptions in treatment, heightened psychological distress, and financial burdens. In Zambia, the impact of Long COVID-19 on cancer patients remains under-explored. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of cancer patients with Long COVID-19 at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed to explore the subjective experiences of cancer patients diagnosed with Long COVID19. The study purposively included 14 participants using data saturation technique. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically to identify key themes related to the experiences of patients. The findings yielded four themes: impact of long COVID-19 on cancer treatment, Psychological distress from long COVID-19, healthcare access and support challenges. It revealed that Long COVID-19 significantly disrupted cancer treatment, leading to delayed chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Participants reported severe psychological distress, including heightened anxiety, depression, and fear of worsening cancer prognosis. Coping mechanisms varied, with some patients relying on social support, spirituality, and resilience strategies. However, healthcare access remained a major challenge, with limited resources, financial burdens, and delays in treatment exacerbating the difficulties faced by patients. Long COVID-19 has compounded the challenges faced by cancer patients in Zambia, affecting their physical and mental well-being. The study highlights the need for integrated healthcare approaches, improved mental health support, and policy interventions to ensure uninterrupted cancer care during pandemics. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing the quality of life and treatment outcomes for cancer patients experiencing Long COVID-19. Keywords: Long COVID-19, cancer patients, healthcare access, psychological distress, coping mechanisms, treatment disruption. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.unza.zm/handle/123456789/9199 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | The University of Zambia | |
| dc.title | Cancer patient’s experience of long COVID-19 at the cancer diseases hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. | |
| dc.type | Thesis |