Life experiences and coping mechanisms among breast cancer patients in an urban Malaysian hospital : a qualitative study
Breast cancer is top-ranking cancer that affects the quality of life among women in Malaysia. Although it is very difficult to define the quality of life (QoL) precisely, it has a broad concept that affects global life satisfaction, which includes good health, adequate housing, employment, per...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2021
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/18273/1/11_ms0503_pdf_17221.pdf http://journalarticle.ukm.my/18273/ https://medicineandhealthukm.com/toc/16/2 |
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| Summary: | Breast cancer is top-ranking cancer that affects the quality of life among women in
Malaysia. Although it is very difficult to define the quality of life (QoL) precisely, it
has a broad concept that affects global life satisfaction, which includes good health,
adequate housing, employment, personal and family safety, interrelationships,
education, and leisure pursuits. In this study, we aimed to discuss the life changes
upon being diagnosed with breast cancer and their perception of social support.
We also discussed the spirituality factor in patients’ coping mechanism with
their health condition. This study was carried out using a purposive sampling
method. The perception of social support, quality of life, and religiosity factor is
discussed through the perspectives of nine breast cancer patients with an interview
consisting of semi-structured questions. Basic interpretive qualitative methodology
was applied to analyse the perception of social support and religiosity factor as a
coping mechanism. The results showed that all the breast cancer patients reported
good social support from family and friends except for one patient. Five themes
were identified, namely patterns of life, supportive atmosphere, decision making
and confidence, expectation, as well as psychological defences and spirituality.
Seven out of nine patients reported that their religion helped them to cope with
the disease by maintaining self-esteem, providing a sense of meaning and purpose,
giving emotional comfort, and providing a sense of hope. In conclusion, social
support and religious factor are very important in the lives of breast cancer patients
in dealing with their health condition. |
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