Experiences of newly diagnosed oral cancer patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study from Pakistan
Journal article
Khattak, M., Khattak, S. I., Khan, M., Khan, Z., Dikomitis, L., Ul-Haq, Z. and Saddki, N. 2022. Experiences of newly diagnosed oral cancer patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study from Pakistan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19 (14), p. 8508. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148508
Authors | Khattak, M., Khattak, S. I., Khan, M., Khan, Z., Dikomitis, L., Ul-Haq, Z. and Saddki, N. |
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Abstract | The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the scaling back or postponement of non-emergency hospital services, including care of cancer patients. The present qualitative study explored the experiences of newly diagnosed oral cancer patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. Patients who attended the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Khyber College of Dentistry in July 2020 were selected using a maximum variation purposive sampling method. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted in Pashto, the local language of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Thematic content analysis yielded eight major themes: pain and generalised physical weakness, shock at diagnosis, psychological distress of the COVID-19 pandemic, faith and religion, double hit loss of employment, social isolation, social support from caregivers, and lack of support from health care professionals. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has a clear impact on the life experiences of newly diagnosed oral cancer patients. Distress due to delay in accessing health care and lack of support from health care providers are a matter of great concern. Appropriate interventions should be introduced to ensure psychological and social support strategies are in place for patients during interruptions of health care services. |
Keywords | Oral cancer; COVID-19; Life experiences; Health care; Social support ; Pakistan |
Year | 2022 |
Journal | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
Journal citation | 19 (14), p. 8508 |
Publisher | MDPI |
ISSN | 1660-4601 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148508 |
Official URL | https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/14/8508 |
Publication dates | |
Online | 12 Jul 2022 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 09 Jul 2022 |
Deposited | 12 Aug 2024 |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Output status | Published |
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https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/98q58/experiences-of-newly-diagnosed-oral-cancer-patients-during-the-first-wave-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-a-qualitative-study-from-pakistan
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