Social Support Needs in Patients with Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Background: Cancer is believed to be one of the most important health problems worldwide today. In Iran, the burden of cancer is also on the rise and social support is an important aspect of modern cancer care. Therefore, we conducted the current study to determine the social needs of patients with...

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Main Authors: Lida Soltani, Zohreh Khoshnood
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences 2021-07-01
Series:Middle East Journal of Cancer
Subjects:
Online Access:https://mejc.sums.ac.ir/article_47358_98703a474cbae81b1e3bac27bae27961.pdf
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author Lida Soltani
Zohreh Khoshnood
author_facet Lida Soltani
Zohreh Khoshnood
author_sort Lida Soltani
collection DOAJ
description Background: Cancer is believed to be one of the most important health problems worldwide today. In Iran, the burden of cancer is also on the rise and social support is an important aspect of modern cancer care. Therefore, we conducted the current study to determine the social needs of patients with cancer employing a qualitative content analysis. Method: This conventional qualitative content analysis was performed based on a descriptive explorative approach. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 10 patients with cancer with in-depth semi- structured interviews. Data was gathered from autumn 2017 to spring 2018, from all the cancer patients who referred to three hospitals in Kerman. We utilized MAXQDA10 software for data analysis. Results: On average, the participants had 9 months to 4 years’ experience of cancer. The mean age of the participants was 45.7 years old. The present study revealed that the most important needs expressed by the participants were related to “organizational-therapeutic support". This main category consisted of three subcategories, including the need for financial support, inadequate environmental conditions in health care facilities, and not having the opportunity to choose. Conclusion: The financial needs of cancer patients include the need for financial support from the spouse and the need for financial support from public and nongovernmental organizations. Their financial needs lead into not pursuing their treatment. Therefore, paying attention to the culture and values of patients is one of the important issues in providing care to these patients. Researchers have suggested focusing on further organizational support and ways to mitigate the needs of this group.
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spelling doaj.art-0889a9cb256940ee9431fb447c6e5da12022-12-22T04:11:32ZengShiraz University of Medical SciencesMiddle East Journal of Cancer2008-67092008-66872021-07-0112342943810.30476/mejc.2021.83954.121047358Social Support Needs in Patients with Cancer: A Qualitative StudyLida Soltani0Zohreh Khoshnood1Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geriatric Care Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IranDepartment of Public Health Nursing, Nursing Research Center, Razi Nursing and Midwifery Department, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranBackground: Cancer is believed to be one of the most important health problems worldwide today. In Iran, the burden of cancer is also on the rise and social support is an important aspect of modern cancer care. Therefore, we conducted the current study to determine the social needs of patients with cancer employing a qualitative content analysis. Method: This conventional qualitative content analysis was performed based on a descriptive explorative approach. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 10 patients with cancer with in-depth semi- structured interviews. Data was gathered from autumn 2017 to spring 2018, from all the cancer patients who referred to three hospitals in Kerman. We utilized MAXQDA10 software for data analysis. Results: On average, the participants had 9 months to 4 years’ experience of cancer. The mean age of the participants was 45.7 years old. The present study revealed that the most important needs expressed by the participants were related to “organizational-therapeutic support". This main category consisted of three subcategories, including the need for financial support, inadequate environmental conditions in health care facilities, and not having the opportunity to choose. Conclusion: The financial needs of cancer patients include the need for financial support from the spouse and the need for financial support from public and nongovernmental organizations. Their financial needs lead into not pursuing their treatment. Therefore, paying attention to the culture and values of patients is one of the important issues in providing care to these patients. Researchers have suggested focusing on further organizational support and ways to mitigate the needs of this group.https://mejc.sums.ac.ir/article_47358_98703a474cbae81b1e3bac27bae27961.pdfsocial support needscancerqualitative studyiran
spellingShingle Lida Soltani
Zohreh Khoshnood
Social Support Needs in Patients with Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Middle East Journal of Cancer
social support needs
cancer
qualitative study
iran
title Social Support Needs in Patients with Cancer: A Qualitative Study
title_full Social Support Needs in Patients with Cancer: A Qualitative Study
title_fullStr Social Support Needs in Patients with Cancer: A Qualitative Study
title_full_unstemmed Social Support Needs in Patients with Cancer: A Qualitative Study
title_short Social Support Needs in Patients with Cancer: A Qualitative Study
title_sort social support needs in patients with cancer a qualitative study
topic social support needs
cancer
qualitative study
iran
url https://mejc.sums.ac.ir/article_47358_98703a474cbae81b1e3bac27bae27961.pdf
work_keys_str_mv AT lidasoltani socialsupportneedsinpatientswithcanceraqualitativestudy
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