Experiences of newly diagnosed oral cancer patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study from Pakistan

Khattak, M. I., 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), 8508. (doi: 10.3390/ijerph19148508) (PMID:35886367) (PMCID:PMC9324128)

[img] Text
276647.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

347kB

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.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Pakistan - epidemiology, COVID-19 - epidemiology, mouth neoplasms - epidemiology, health care, Pakistan, humans, qualitative research, oral cancer, social support, pandemics, COVID-19, life experiences.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ul Haq, Dr Zia
Creator Roles:
Ul-Haq, Z.Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing – review and editing, Supervision
Authors: Khattak, M. I., Khattak, S. I., Khan, M., Khan, Z., Dikomitis, L., Ul-Haq, Z., and Saddki, N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher:MDPI
ISSN:1661-7827
ISSN (Online):1660-4601
Published Online:12 July 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2022 The Authors
First Published:First published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(14): 8508
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record