Background:Cancer in children in Tanzania is a concerning health issue, yet there is a shortage of information about the experiences of the guardians of children who receive cancer treatment.
Objective:To explore concerns and needs of support among guardians of children on cancer treatment in Dares Salaam, Tanzania.
Method:Using a qualitative design,3 focus group discussions were held with 22 guardians of children aged 9 to 17 years. Guardians were recruited from Muhimbili National Hospital, Dares Salaam, where their children were receiving cancer treatment. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis.
Results: Guardians experienced several issues during the initial stages of their child’s cancer treatment, including the process of seeking a diagnosis, and experiences with care at the peripheral (regional) hospitals and national hospitals. They also shared what they felt would lessen their difficult experiences. Seven themes emerged in this study: financial concerns, emotional concerns, barriers to cancer care, need for improved cancer care, need for information, need for tangible support, and gratitude and hope.
Conclusion: Guardians of children with cancer experience challenges during the initial stages when seeking a diagnosis and have concerns and needs related to cancer care and treatment. Implications for practice: Improvements are needed regarding care at regional hospitals, the cancer diagnosis, and the recognition of early signs of cancer and a quick referral to diagnostic centers, compassionate caring behaviors by healthcare workers, budgetary support from the government to meet the medication supply demands, and meeting stakeholders’ support needs.
M.Masika, G , Gottvall, M , TheclaW.Kohi, P , LouisevonEssen, P , S.Dol, P & , M (2021). Concerns and Needs of Support Among Guardians of Children on Cancer Treatment in Dar es Salaam: A Qualitative Study. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/concerns-and-needs-of-support-among-guardians-of-children-on-cancer-treatment-in-dar-es-salaam-a-qualitative-study
M.Masika, Golden et. al. "Concerns and Needs of Support Among Guardians of Children on Cancer Treatment in Dar es Salaam: A Qualitative Study" Afribary. Afribary, 21 Apr. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/concerns-and-needs-of-support-among-guardians-of-children-on-cancer-treatment-in-dar-es-salaam-a-qualitative-study. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
M.Masika, Golden, MSc. Gottvall , PhD. TheclaW.Kohi , PhD. LouisevonEssen , PhD. S.Dol and MSc. . "Concerns and Needs of Support Among Guardians of Children on Cancer Treatment in Dar es Salaam: A Qualitative Study". Afribary, Afribary, 21 Apr. 2021. Web. 26 Dec. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/concerns-and-needs-of-support-among-guardians-of-children-on-cancer-treatment-in-dar-es-salaam-a-qualitative-study >.
M.Masika, Golden , Gottvall, MSc. , TheclaW.Kohi, PhD. , LouisevonEssen, PhD. , S.Dol, PhD. and , MSc. . "Concerns and Needs of Support Among Guardians of Children on Cancer Treatment in Dar es Salaam: A Qualitative Study" Afribary (2021). Accessed December 26, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/concerns-and-needs-of-support-among-guardians-of-children-on-cancer-treatment-in-dar-es-salaam-a-qualitative-study