Challenges Among Cancer Patients That May Influence Recovery Outcomes in Palliative Care Units in Nairobi and Nyeri Counties
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Date
2021
Authors
Wang’ombe, Joyce Muthoni
Kathungu, Beatrice
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishing
Abstract
Purpose: This study sought to establish challenges among cancer patients that may influence
recovery outcomes in palliative care units in Nairobi and Nyeri Counties.
Methodology: The study adopted a correlation research design. The target population were the
cancer patients, attending treatment at the three palliative care units in Nairobi and Nyeri Counties.
Systematic random sampling technique was used in the study to obtain a sample of 96 participants.
Semi structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using both descriptive
and inferential statistics, namely Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient(r).
Findings: Result showed that, majority of the respondents indicated participating in the programs
available at the palliative care institutions, which included; group psychotherapy (91.7%), spiritual
support (91.7%) and programs on coping skills (91.7). Others (22.6%) participated in programs
such as performing chorals, knitting and board games. The results also showed that 82.1% and
78.6% of the respondents noted that they experienced challenges of being isolated and lacking
finances respectively. 50% of the respondents had a challenge in coping with the condition, while
2.4% experienced challenges in adhering to drugs .These findings were not unusual considering
that most of the patients were newly diagnosed with cancer and for some respondent’s metastasis
had set in.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Patients facing challenges receiving palliative
care could adopt group psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral, informational, nonbehavioral, social support, and using unusual treatments such as music and art therapy to curb
cancer. Administrators and medical staff in the palliative care units should create awareness and
encourage the attending patients to source for a health insurance cover e.g. National Health
Insurance Fund (NHIF) to cater for the cancer disease both outpatient and incase of hospitalization.
This will ease the financial burden of cancer on the patient, family and community.
Description
An Article Published in Global Journal of Health Sciences
Keywords
Challenges, Cancer patient, Recovery outcomes, Palliative care, Nairobi and Nyeri Counties