Exploring the Socio-Economic Experiences of Women Post-Mastectomy in the Tamale Metropolis
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among females. Mastectomy is the treatment of choice in most African countries due to late reporting. The majority of women diagnosed with BC experience socio-economic challenges. This study explored the factors that affect the socio-economic well-being of women post-mastectomy in Ghana.
Methods: The study was conducted at the teaching hospital in the northern region of Ghana using descriptive exploratory qualitative design. A purposive sampling method was employed to recruit participants. Data was saturated with 15 participants aged between 28 and 78 years. The in-depth interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis procedures.
Results: Participants isolated themselves as society frown on them after mastectomy. Some of the women loss their jobs/businesses and some did not get the needed support. The high cost of treatment placed a huge financial burden on them. Some of the participants felt rejected and loss their femininity, as their partners were not having sex with them after the operation.
Conclusion: Women post mastectomy faces several challenges and family support is vital to improve their wellbeing. There is a need to educate the public against the stigmatization of women post mastectomy.
Posted 28 Sep, 2020
Exploring the Socio-Economic Experiences of Women Post-Mastectomy in the Tamale Metropolis
Posted 28 Sep, 2020
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among females. Mastectomy is the treatment of choice in most African countries due to late reporting. The majority of women diagnosed with BC experience socio-economic challenges. This study explored the factors that affect the socio-economic well-being of women post-mastectomy in Ghana.
Methods: The study was conducted at the teaching hospital in the northern region of Ghana using descriptive exploratory qualitative design. A purposive sampling method was employed to recruit participants. Data was saturated with 15 participants aged between 28 and 78 years. The in-depth interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis procedures.
Results: Participants isolated themselves as society frown on them after mastectomy. Some of the women loss their jobs/businesses and some did not get the needed support. The high cost of treatment placed a huge financial burden on them. Some of the participants felt rejected and loss their femininity, as their partners were not having sex with them after the operation.
Conclusion: Women post mastectomy faces several challenges and family support is vital to improve their wellbeing. There is a need to educate the public against the stigmatization of women post mastectomy.