Exploring Challenges Related to Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Among Pakistani Women: A Qualitative Study
Author(s)
Rehana Sarwat, MPhil1, MUHAMMAD AMIR HAMZA, MPhil1, Ayesha Azam, MPhil1, Bushra Batool Zahra, MPhil1, Muhammad Amer, PhD2, Maryam Mahmood, PhD3, Zakir Khan, PhD4, Ali Ahmed, PhD5.
1Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2Department of Pharmacy, Abasyn University, Islamabad, Pakistan, 3Pharmacy Practice & Global Public Health, School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom, 4School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland, 5Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA, USA.
1Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2Department of Pharmacy, Abasyn University, Islamabad, Pakistan, 3Pharmacy Practice & Global Public Health, School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom, 4School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland, 5Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA, USA.
OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of mortality, affecting 1 in every 9 women in Pakistan. Breast cancer chemotherapy has many challenges; therefore, this study aimed to examine the experiences and side effects of chemotherapy among women in Pakistan.
METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with post-chemotherapy women, using purposive sampling. Weekly data were collected at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, from February to April 2024. Written informed consent and permission for audio recording were obtained from all participants before each interview. Pilot interviews were conducted to ensure the reliability of the preliminary draft of the interview guide, which was then modified based on the outcomes of the pilot study. Data saturation was reached after 38 interviews, and two additional interviews were conducted to confirm saturation. Each interview was recorded in audio format, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS: This study consisted of women with a mean age of 47 years. The majority were married (33/40), not employed (35/40), and had a low family income (36/40). Hair loss (35/40) was the most commonly experienced side effect, followed by diarrhea (15/40), constipation (13/40), vomiting (20/40), mouth sores (24/40), and darkened nails (26/40). Additionally, this study highlights that the participants’ main concerns were a lack of understanding about chemotherapy side effects and treatment, limited resources, financial constraints, psychological distress, and social isolation. However, participants reported that coping strategies and assistance from family and friends were crucial for patients during chemotherapy treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important information about the side effects and challenges of chemotherapy among Pakistani women. The results highlight the urgent need for educational and specialized care programs coordinated by a multidisciplinary healthcare team (physicians, pharmacists, and nurses) to ensure improved patient care.
METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with post-chemotherapy women, using purposive sampling. Weekly data were collected at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, from February to April 2024. Written informed consent and permission for audio recording were obtained from all participants before each interview. Pilot interviews were conducted to ensure the reliability of the preliminary draft of the interview guide, which was then modified based on the outcomes of the pilot study. Data saturation was reached after 38 interviews, and two additional interviews were conducted to confirm saturation. Each interview was recorded in audio format, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS: This study consisted of women with a mean age of 47 years. The majority were married (33/40), not employed (35/40), and had a low family income (36/40). Hair loss (35/40) was the most commonly experienced side effect, followed by diarrhea (15/40), constipation (13/40), vomiting (20/40), mouth sores (24/40), and darkened nails (26/40). Additionally, this study highlights that the participants’ main concerns were a lack of understanding about chemotherapy side effects and treatment, limited resources, financial constraints, psychological distress, and social isolation. However, participants reported that coping strategies and assistance from family and friends were crucial for patients during chemotherapy treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important information about the side effects and challenges of chemotherapy among Pakistani women. The results highlight the urgent need for educational and specialized care programs coordinated by a multidisciplinary healthcare team (physicians, pharmacists, and nurses) to ensure improved patient care.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
PCR91
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Oncology