Psychological and informational needs among breast cancer patients during transition from active to maintenance phase of systemic therapy using SCNS-SF 34 at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)

Abstract

Objective: To assess psychological and informational needs among breast cancer patients during transition from active to maintenance phase of  systemic therapy at KNH.

Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional research design.

Settings: KNH Cancer Treatment Centre Population: Breast cancer  patients transitioning from active to maintenance phases of systemic therapy at KNH.

Main outcome measures: Age, gender, education level, marital  status, residence setting, income reliability, psychological and informational needs among study participants.

Materials and methods: Descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out among 169 breast cancer patients on systemic therapy at KNH. Data was collected using questionnaire and SCNS-SF 34  tool, analyzed using various descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version  23.0. Core factors behind interdependence between correlated variables were identified using Principal Component Analysis via Rotated Component  Matrix presented in tables.

Results: In psychological needs domain; concerns about the worries of close relatives (35%), uncertainty about the future  (32%) and fears about the cancer spreading (30%) were the outstanding aspects for which additional help was needed. In informational needs domain,  member of staff whom you can share with about your condition and follow-up (74%), information about sexual relationships (62%) and having access to  professional counselor (52%) were items that patients expressed needed additional support.

Conclusion: Breast cancer patients at KNH experienced  psychological and informational needs during transition phase from active to maintenance phase of systemic therapy. Therefore, interventions directed  at addressing the psychological and informational needs of breast cancer patient during transition is necessary.