Family Support: A Caregiver Experience in Caring for Nasopharynx Cancer Patients in Yogyakarta

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Increasing the incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer causes an increase mortality in sufferers. Family support is an important aspect of the treatment of patients that very helpful to strengthen psychologically and make patients more enthusiastic about undergoing treatment. Patients who have high enthusiasm will improve their quality of life so that family support is needed in treating patients. AIM: This study aims to explore family experiences in providing support in the care of nasopharyngeal cancer patients in Yogyakarta. METHODS: This research uses qualitative method with phenomenological approach. Data collected through in-depth interviews. Informants in this study amounted to 12 people consisting of patients and families determined by purposive sampling. This research was conducted in Sleman Regency from January to April 2019. Data validity uses source triangulation, member checking, and peer debriefing. Analysis of the data in this study using the help of OpenCode 4.02 software. RESULTS: The results showed that the treatment of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer was influenced by several factors, namely, family perceptions in caring for patients, family knowledge about the disease, and family information sources. These factors will affect the family process in providing care to patients including family support, family communication, and medication that have been undertaken. Family support is provided in the care of nasopharyngeal cancer patients in the form of emotional, informational, instrumental, appreciation, and spiritual support. In addition, in carrying out patient care, there are several obstacles, namely, transportation, administrative, and financial obstacles. CONCLUSION: The family is expected to always provide support to patients in the form of emotional support, informational, instrumental, and appreciation as well as spiritual support for the success of treatment of the patient.