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A qualitative exploration of Malaysian cancer patients' perspectives on cancer and its treatment.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Cancer patients' knowledge about cancer and experiences with its treatment play an important role in long-term adherence in their disease management. This study aimed to explore cancer patients' knowledge about cancer, their perceptions of conventional therapies and the factors that contribute to medication adherence in the Malaysian population. METHODS: A qualitative research approach was adopted to gain a better understanding of the current perceptions and knowledge held by cancer patients. Twenty patients were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. A saturation point was reached after the 18th interview, and no new information emerged with the subsequent 2 interviews. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by means of a standard content analysis framework. RESULTS: The majority of patients related the cause of their cancer to be God's will. Participants perceived conventional therapies as effective due to their scientific methods of preparations. A fear of side effects was main reasons given for delay in seeking treatment; however, perceptions were reported to change after receiving treatment when effective management to reduce the risk of side effects had been experienced. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides basic information about cancer patients' perceptions towards cancer and its treatment. These findings can help in the design of educational programs to enhance awareness and acceptances of cancer screening. Priorities for future research should focus on patients who refused the conventional therapies at any stage.

SUBMITTER: Farooqui M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3146868 | biostudies-other | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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A qualitative exploration of Malaysian cancer patients' perspectives on cancer and its treatment.

Farooqui Maryam M Hassali Mohamed A MA Shatar Aishah K AK Shafie Asrul A AA Seang Tan B TB Farooqui Muhammad A MA

BMC public health 20110701

<h4>Background</h4>Cancer patients' knowledge about cancer and experiences with its treatment play an important role in long-term adherence in their disease management. This study aimed to explore cancer patients' knowledge about cancer, their perceptions of conventional therapies and the factors that contribute to medication adherence in the Malaysian population.<h4>Methods</h4>A qualitative research approach was adopted to gain a better understanding of the current perceptions and knowledge he ...[more]

PMID: 21718547

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Project description:AimsWe explored the experiences and motivations of participants and staff who took part in the TRED-HF trial (Therapy withdrawal in REcovered Dilated cardiomyopathy).Methods and resultsWe conducted a qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews, with participants (n = 12) and the research team (n = 4) from the TRED-HF trial. Interviews were carried out in 2019 and were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were managed using NVivo and analysed using framework analysis. A patient representative provided guidance on the interpretation of findings and presentation of themes to ensure these remained meaningful, and an accurate representation, to those living with dilated cardiomyopathy. Three key themes emerged from the data: (i) perception of health; (ii) experiences and relationships with healthcare services and researchers; and (iii) perception of risk. Study participants held differing perceptions of their health; some did not consider themselves to have a heart condition or disagreed with the medical term 'heart failure'. Relationships between participants, research staff, and clinical management teams influenced participants' experiences and decision making during the trial, including following clinical advice. There were differences in participants' perceptions of risk and their decisions to take heart failure medication after the trial was completed. Although the original TRED-HF trial did not provide the results many had hoped for, a strong motivator for taking part was the opportunity to withdraw medication in a safely monitored environment which had been previously considered by some participants before. Investigators acknowledged that the insights gained from the study can now be used to support evidence-based conversations with patients.ConclusionsFor people whose dilated cardiomyopathy is in remission, decisions to continue, reduce, or stop their medication are influenced by perceptions of personal health, perceive risk and the important of work, employment, recreation, relationships, and long-term plans. The unique relationship between patient and cardiologist provides opportunities to promote honest discussion about adherence to medication and personalized long-term management.

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Dataset Information

A qualitative exploration of Malaysian cancer patients' perspectives on cancer and its treatment.

Publications

A qualitative exploration of Malaysian cancer patients' perspectives on cancer and its treatment.

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