Experiences of caring for women with cervical cancer: A qualitative study among male partners in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: More than three-fourths of cervical cancer cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounting for approximately 25% of global mortality. The significant rise in the prevalence of cervical cancer in SSA amplifies the burden on caregivers, contributing to elevated rates of mental illness, particularly among spouses who provide care. Men who assume the role of caregivers for their partners with cervical cancer encounter unique challenges and substantial adjustments across multiple facets of life, impacting both their own quality of life and that of their partners. Despite this, there is a notable lack of extensive research on the experiences of male partners in caregiving roles, particularly within SSA countries like Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of male partners providing care for women with cervical cancer in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken to explore the experiences of 13 male partners, selected purposively and guided by the principle of saturation. Data gathering employed in-depth interviews utilizing a semistructured interview guide, with subsequent analysis conducted via a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Five themes and 13 subthemes were generated, encompassing psychosocial distress, attitudes towards cervical cancer, unity in the provision of care, economic burden, and altered sexual relationships. Participants reported experiencing emotional distress, shifts in social responsibilities, financial challenges, and unfulfilled sexual needs. Moreover, they expressed the need for social, psychological, financial, and sexual and reproductive support. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the numerous challenges encountered by male partners caring for women with cervical cancer, encompassing emotional distress, financial strain, and shifts in social and sexual dynamics. The identified themes and subthemes highlight the intricate interplay of these difficulties and stress the necessity for holistic support systems addressing the social, psychological, financial, and sexual aspects of male partners' experiences. The findings emphasize the importance of designing and implementing comprehensive support programmes tailored to the diverse needs of male partners, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Before the study, the nursing manager assisted in selecting three male partners randomly. These partners were involved in the design of the participants' information sheet, the evaluation of the interview schedule and rooms, and the dissemination of information about the study's purpose to the target population. Their valuable input contributed to improving the participant information sheet, refining data collection procedures and addressing ethical considerations. However, these individuals were not considered study participants. Throughout the study, in-charge nurses in the hospital were informed about the study's goals and helped organize appointments with participants and manage the interview schedule.

The lived experiences and caring needs of women diagnosed with cervical cancer: A qualitative study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer continues to be a major global public health concern affecting the lives of many women and resulting in financial burdens. In 2020, cervical cancer was the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer among all cancers worldwide and Tanzania was ranked fourth among the countries with the highest incidence rates (59.1 new cases per 100,000 women) of cervical cancer. The lived experience and caring needs of patients and their families provide insights into the psychosocial aspects of healthcare among the affected population. However, there is inadequate information concerning the lived experiences of cervical cancer patients in Tanzania and Sub-Saharan Africa in general. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences and caring needs of cervical cancer patients at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was carried out among cervical cancer patients at ORCI in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Using a purposeful sampling technique, 12 cervical cancer patients were interviewed with the principles of saturation guiding sample size determination. A semi-structured face-to-face interview guide was employed to collect the information. A conventional content analysis approach was used to analyze data after translation with the aid of NVivo 12.0 computer software. RESULTS: Five themes emerged after data analysis: knowledge and attitude about cervical cancer, sufferings from a disease process, socio-economic disruptions, psychological problems, and sexual and reproductive concerns. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide insights into the life experiences and caring needs of cervical cancer patients and call for response from healthcare stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive and culturally consonant approaches in providing care to the affected population. More qualitative studies are required to ascertain the lived experiences of advanced cervical cancer patients and those of long-term cervical cancer survivors.