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Understanding the experiences and quality of life issues of Bahraini women with breast cancer

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  • Jassim, Ghufran A.
  • Whitford, David L.

Abstract

We explored the experiences of Bahraini women who have survived breast cancer and their perception of quality of life after diagnosis. We conducted in depth, semi-structured face-to-face interviews with twelve women diagnosed with breast cancer. A qualitative method using semi-structured interviews on a purposive sample of 12 Bahraini women with breast cancer was conducted. Similarities and differences in women's experience were identified through thematic analysis of interview transcripts using a constant comparative approach. The themes identified were meaning of cancer and quality of life, spirituality and beliefs about causes of breast cancer, coping mechanisms, impact of illness and change in relationships. Quality of life was framed in terms of the ability to perform daily duties with emphasis on the physical component of quality of life. Themes that differed from previous western studies included a heavy emphasis on spiritual practices for comfort; the use of traditional clothing (hijab and abaya) to hide hair and body changes; the important role played by the family and husband in treatment decisions and concerns regarding satisfying the sexual needs of the husband, which were related to a fear of losing the husband to a second wife. Evil eye, stress and God's punishment were believed to be fundamental causes of the disease. The emotional shock of the initial diagnosis, concerns about whether to reveal the diagnosis and a desire to live a normal life were consistent with previous studies. However, cultural and religious issues such as role of the husband and impact of prayers were also important here. These themes are important to healthcare professionals for ensuring an individualized approach to the treatment of women with breast cancer.

Suggested Citation

  • Jassim, Ghufran A. & Whitford, David L., 2014. "Understanding the experiences and quality of life issues of Bahraini women with breast cancer," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 189-195.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:107:y:2014:i:c:p:189-195
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.01.031
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    Cited by:

    1. Benjamin Saunders & Julius Sim & Tom Kingstone & Shula Baker & Jackie Waterfield & Bernadette Bartlam & Heather Burroughs & Clare Jinks, 2018. "Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 52(4), pages 1893-1907, July.
    2. Gunjan Sharma & Kushagra Kulshreshtha & Naval Bajpai, 2022. "Getting over the issue of theoretical stagnation: an exploration and metamorphosis of grounded theory approach," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 56(2), pages 857-884, April.
    3. Haya Salem & Suhad Daher-Nashif, 2020. "Psychosocial Aspects of Female Breast Cancer in the Middle East and North Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-16, September.
    4. Nurfika Asmaningrum & Dini Kurniawati & Yun‐Fang Tsai, 2020. "Threats to patient dignity in clinical care settings: A qualitative comparison of Indonesian nurses and patients," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(5-6), pages 899-908, March.
    5. Flore, Jacinthe & Kokanović, Renata & Broom, Alex & Heynemann, Sarah & Lai-Kwon, Julia & Jefford, Michael, 2023. "Entanglements and imagined futures: The subject(s) of precision in oncology," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 317(C).

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