Exploring Factors Influencing Resilience in Women Who Completed Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in Accra Metropolis

Abstract

Breast cancer is a major public health concern across the world and has attracted the attention of policy makers and various health care professionals. The most common treatment in Ghana is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy brings about unpleasant and traumatic experiences due to the effects of the drugs. Even though several studies have highlighted the negative results of chemotherapy among cancer patients, recent literature show an improvement in breast cancer survival rate. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the factors influencing resilience in women who completed chemotherapy for breast cancer in the Accra metropolis. The I-resilience model was the organising framework for this study. A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was adopted to collect data. Both purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used for data collection. Data reached saturation by the 12th participant. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently. All interviews were audio-recorded with consent from the participants and transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. During the study, anonymity and confidentiality were ensured. The four themes that emerged were: The burden associated with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, personal traits (purposiveness and confidence) that influence resilience, support systems that influence resilience and strategies breast cancer patients adopt to survive. Most of the participants experienced fatigue, depression, fear of disease reoccurrence and financial loss as burdens of cancer. Factors identified to influence resilience were hope, self-esteem, confidence, optimism, social and spiritual support and preparedness using past experiences. It was recommended that social and medical support and adaptation strategies associated with resilience be enforced to improve the health and wellbeing of diverse cancer survivors.