"Caring for Breast Cancer Patients Is a Work That Brings Sorrow" : A Qualitative Interview Study with Nurses in Tanzania

• IntroductionBreast cancer is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and most women are diagnosed at a late stage. This leads to increased suffering for the patients and challenging care situations for nurses. Limited resources in healthcare, lack of oncology training, and low health literacy in society result in even more demanding situations for nurses. ObjectiveThe objective was to explore nurses' experiences of caring women for with breast cancer in Tanzania. MethodsThe study employed a descriptive qualitative design. Fifteen nurses, working in oncology units in three major hospitals in Tanzania were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. The participants had a minimum of 6 months experience of caring for breast cancer patients. Purposive sampling was used. Data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. ResultsTwo main themes emerged: Challenges in caring for breast cancer patients and Nurses' psychological distress. The late diagnosis was very challenging for the nurses. Low health literacy regarding breast cancer disease and treatment, patients' financial difficulties, minimal oncology nursing education, and technology in healthcare systems were also major challenges. The nurses experienced psychological distress, lost hope, and faced ethical dilemmas while providing cancer care. ConclusionThe findings of this study conclude that nurses face emotional distress and ethical dilemmas while caring for patients with breast cancer. Late diagnosis, lack of infrastructure and resources, and low health literacy among patients, family, and healthcare providers have a great impact on the stress that the nurses experience.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Keyword

nurses

experience

caring

breast cancer

oncology

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)