Spirituality issues in cancer patients at Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the spirituality issues among cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

METHODS

This was a qualitative study involving purposively selected cancer patients receiving treatment at ORCI, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data were collected through one-to-one audiotaped interviews using a pilot-tested semi-structured interview guide. Data saturation was reached at the 24th interview. Thematic data analysis was used.

RESULTS

Twenty-four cancer patients attending ORCI, consisting of 12 males and 12 females, aged 18-65, participated in the study. The majority of participants, 71% (n = 17), had low education, 71% (n = 17) were of low socioeconomic status, and 83% (n = 20) were either Christians or Muslims. Six broad themes emerged: aspects of life contributing to meaning and purpose of life, beliefs surrounding cancer, effects of cancer on spirituality, spirituality in relation to seeking health care, spirituality and coping with cancer, and spirituality needs of cancer patients.

SIGNIFICANCE OF

RESULTS

Cancer patients at ORCI face significant spirituality issues and hold misconceptions about the causes and treatment of cancer. Palliative care practitioners must routinely identify and address spiritual issues of cancer patients in order to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.