Disclosure, social support, and meaning-based coping among Omani mothers living with breast cancer: a phenomenological qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Mothers diagnosed with breast cancer in collectivist, faith-oriented societies face dilemmas regarding the timing, manner, and extent of disclosure of their illness to their children and extended family members. However, evidence addressing this issue within Arab contexts remains limited. This phenomenological qualitative study explored how Omani mothers with breast cancer navigate disclosure, interpret familial and communal responses, and employ coping strategies within sociocultural and religious frameworks.

METHODS

In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted in Arabic with 18 Omani mothers diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer, parenting at least one child aged 6-18 years. Participants were recruited from a national cancer care center in Muscat. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed using the framework method, supported by NVivo.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged: (1) illness disclosure and communication strategies; (2) family and community responses to the diagnosis; and (3) coping strategies grounded in faith, patience, and behavioral adjustment. Women's experiences were shaped by maternal roles, anticipated stigma, and faith-informed interpretations of illness. Disclosure decisions influenced the mobilization of support within kinship networks. Furthermore, coping mechanisms integrated religious meaning-making with efforts to maintain normalcy.

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the need for culturally responsive, family-centered psychosocial care in cancer services.