Challenges for health care providers, parents and patients who face a child hood cancer diagnosis in Zambia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Zambia is experiencing high prevalence of childhood cancer. However, very few children access and complete treatment for cancer. This study aimed to document the challenges for health care providers, parents and patients who face a child hood cancer diagnosis in Zambia, and their coping strategies.

Methods

This was an exploratory health facility-based qualitative study that was conducted at a Paediatric oncology ward at referral hospital in Zambia. In-depth individual interviews conducted with fifteen (15) caregivers and seven (7) key informants were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Several challenges related to managing the childhood cancer diagnosis were recorded. Individual and family challenges were inadequate knowledge on childhood cancer, lac

SUBMITTER: Walubita M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5932785 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature