An ethnographic study exploring the experiences of patients living with cancer illness in support group settings in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Nkosinathi Mncwabe,Khumbulani W Hlongwana,Themba G Ginindza

doi:10.4102/phcfm.v13i1.2303

Nkosinathi Mncwabe, Khumbulani W Hlongwana + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v13i1.2303

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Abstract

BackgroundThe major strength of support groups stems from their ability to help patients manage their health within and outside the traditional hospital settings. Despite the known benefits of support groups for people living with cancer, ethnographic studies documenting the cancer patients’ experiences of living with cancer within the support group contexts in KwaZulu-Natal are scarce.AimThe aim of this study was to examine the experiences of patients living with cancer within a support group setting.SettingThe study setting was support groups in KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa.Materials and MethodsThis study was conducted using, participant observation, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Data were generated over a 3-month period. Purposive sampling was used to identify the information-rich participants. Thematic data analysis was performed in order to obtain insights into the collective meaning of data generated.ResultsParticipants viewed the support group settings as creating an environment with a unique sense of community. This was in contrast with the sense of isolation, rejection and lack of empowering knowledge on cancer, often experienced outside these contexts. Moreover, the support groups were lauded for facilitating positive relationships with family and friends and providing a safe space for members to freely express their emotions.ConclusionPsychosocial support provided by support groups can help to ameliorate the distress caused by cancer diagnosis and its treatment; however, these support groups are still few and far in between. Therefore, there should be a greater investment in establishing support groups.

Highlights

The major strength of support groups stems from their ability to help patients manage their health within and outside the traditional hospital settings
Less emphasis has been placed on the provision of psychosocial care and support for those affected by cancer.[2]
This study revealed that for patients living with cancer, diagnosis is not just a medical process, but it speaks about complex issues of how they engage with their families, society and social circles, as well as about matters of faith and spirituality.[16]

Summary

Introduction

The major strength of support groups stems from their ability to help patients manage their health within and outside the traditional hospital settings. Despite the known benefits of support groups for people living with cancer, ethnographic studies documenting the cancer patients’ experiences of living with cancer within the support group contexts in KwaZulu-Natal are scarce. Despite cancer being a preventable and curable disease, it remains the most devastating disease in the world today, in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the disease is often diagnosed late, resulting in poor treatment outcomes.[1] Most of the research conducted in Africa aimed at tackling the cancer epidemic in the continent and focused largely on curative medical treatment interventions. Despite the value of support groups in providing psychosocial care to patients and their families in South Africa, this intervention has to navigate or even mediate a country’s polarised healthcare system

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