Research Article
Postmastectomy Experiences of Reproductive-Age Women (15-49), Harar, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Aminu Mohammed Yasin*,
Ahmedin Aliyi Usso,
Leyla Abrar Bedru,
Hassen Mosa Halil,
Neima Redwan Abdu
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-8
Received:
18 September 2024
Accepted:
31 December 2024
Published:
16 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.crj.20251301.11
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Abstract: Background: Despite contemporary initiatives to raise breast cancer awareness, mastectomy as a surgical therapy for breast cancer may have a detrimental impact on a woman's life. Intervention to address the variety of challenges encountered in their personal and family lives postmastectomy is the other side of therapy. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of reproductive age (15-49 years old) women’s lives after breast surgery for breast cancer. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted at a tertiary cancer center in Harar, Ethiopia, between February and March 2023. Study setting, and participants selected using the purposive sampling technique and interviewed individually using a semi-structured interview guide with the assistance of a voice recorder. The data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: Five main themes emerged from the data: body image changes, relationships with husbands and sexual life, health risks, silent stigma and perception of sinfulness by society, and coping with life postmastectomy. Conclusions: Following a mastectomy, women face various challenges emanating from their own perceptions, their husbands, and society. The study's findings are helpful in advancing knowledge of a variety of challenges encountered postmastectomy and coping strategies. It is essential to actively incorporate psycho-emotional and husband-supportive rehabilitation into their care, creating community awareness to solve misconceptions, and additional multi-perspective research.
Abstract: Background: Despite contemporary initiatives to raise breast cancer awareness, mastectomy as a surgical therapy for breast cancer may have a detrimental impact on a woman's life. Intervention to address the variety of challenges encountered in their personal and family lives postmastectomy is the other side of therapy. Purpose: The aim of this stud...
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