The experiences of informal care givers in caring for patients with cancer at Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Background Cancer is a major chronic problem which affects many people directly or indirectly. It causes much suffering among patients and families. Cancer patients require long-term treatment and a continuing need for care. Consequently, informal caregivers in various settings are now taking on the responsibility of caring for patients with cancer. Such informal caring may involve physical, psychological and economic stresses. In Tanzania, informal caregivers have become so essential that they provide large part of the care needed in hospitals and at home. Aim The aim of this dissertation is to understand the experiences of informal care givers in caring for cancer patients at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Method Study design was explorative qualitative study. The sampling technique was purposeful sampling. Data was collected through face to face interview and Focus group discussions. A sample of seven (7) and ten (10) informal care givers participated in face to face interview and two focus group discussions respectively. Content analysis approach was used to analyze the perspectives of the informal caregivers. The study took place between May and June 2013. Findings Caregivers of patients with cancer experienced many problems including psychological such as stress, and worries. They were disappointed with long waiting time for radiotherapy services at the hospital. They also experienced social problems such as inadequate social support during hospitalization such as food and lodging for caregiver from up country. The time spent in the hospital resulted into less time devoted for child care back home. Most participants stated that the task of taking care of the patients interfered with their daily activities which increased the economic problem they already had. In order to cope with the caring responsibilities, the participants desired to have professional, social, and financial support from the government and Non-Governmental Organizations. Conclusions Caregivers of patients with cancer experience many problems such as psychological, emotional, economical and social problems. These problems are influenced intrapersonally, interpersonally and communally. Professional assistance, public awareness social and financial support by the government and NGO’s are important to enhance coping strategies. Recommendations The government should put more effort on buying another radiotherapy device to reduce the length of hospitalization waiting for therapy and hospital management should support caregivers by providing food and lodging those caregivers who are coming from far regions and they lack relatives to support them in the city.

Keywords: Care giving, Informal caregivers, Experiences, cancer