ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to explore different psychosocial impacts on Omani women diagnosed with breast cancer. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 19 Omani women diagnosed with breast cancer to describe the impact of the disease on their personal and social life. Women were recruited from wards and out-patient clinics at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat. Four main themes emerged. These were: a] factors related to psychological distress of the disease and uncertainty [worry of death, interference with work and family responsibilities, searching for hope/cure, travelling overseas]; b] reactions of family members [shocked, saddened, unity, pressure to seek traditional treatments]; c] views of society [sympathy, isolation, reluctant to disclose information]; and d] worries and threats about the future [side effects of chemotherapy, spread of the disease, effect on offspring]. Breast cancer diagnosis has several devastating psychosocial impacts on women in Oman. Healthcare professionals working with women with breast cancer should be aware of the different psychosocial impacts of the disease on women's lives. Appropriate measures must be taken by the decision makers whenever needed, including enforcing positive views and support of Oman's society towards women with breast cancer
ABSTRACT
The quality of services delivered to type 2 diabetic patients in primary health care has an important impact on long-term outcomes. The aim of this study is to explore diabetic patients' views of factors affecting quality of diabetic services delivered in primary care in Oman, a developing country with a high burden of diabetes. Semi-structured face to face interviews were conducted with 19 type 2 diabetic patients recruited from four selected primary healthcare centers [PHCs] in Muscat region, the capital city of Oman. A framework approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. Participants identified several factors which could affect the quality of diabetic services provided in PHCs: delays in the follow-up process; lack of continuity of care; diabetes educational materials unavailable in waiting areas; shortage of Omani nurses able to speak the patients' language; inadequate explanations from the attending primary care physician [PCP]; under involvement of dieticians in patient management; delays in provision of laboratory results; inadequate supplies of diabetic medication between appointments, and long waits to see ophthalmologists. Several factors were identified by diabetic patients that may influence the quality of diabetic services provided in the PHC setting in Oman. Health care professionals and decision makers in the Ministry of Health [MOH] and other health care sectors in Oman should consider patients' views and concerns in order to improve the quality of diabetic care services in primary health care