Social support experiences of cervical cancer patients at tikur anbessa specialized hospital, addis ababa, ethiopia: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer diagnosis creates a stressful situation that influences women’s life. Social support during a stressful experience may contribute to improved physical and mental well-being. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the social support experiences and needs of cervical cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among eleven purposively selected cervical cancer patients on follow-up treatment. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed via thematic analysis. Results: The study found that most of the women have experienced good social support. Women perceive that the most important source of social support was from family members that was captured in the themes ‘family support was significant’ and ‘caring husband’. On the other hand, few of them experienced that both their relatives and their close friends tended to avoid them despite their need for care. The results of the qualitative analysis also revealed a theme ‘the support I need’ in which participants considered information and advice from health care professionals as the most vital support they need. Conclusion: It was concluded that health care professionals together with social workers have to assign adequate time and have a relational tool that enables them to help patients have a successful and trusted health care follow-up.