QUALITATIVE STUDY ON COPING STRATEGIES OF PATIENTS WITH NASOPHARYNGEAL CANCER UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is one of the most frequent types of cancer in Indonesia.  Indonesia relatively has a high incidence of at least 5.7 per 100,000 in males and 1.9 per 100,000 in women compared to the global incidence rate of 1.9 per 100,000 in men and 0.8 per 100,000 in women.  Most nasopharyngeal cancer patients experience malnutrition, cachexia, and psychological stress due to the side effects of chemotherapy and the condition of the disease.  This qualitative study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the coping strategy of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer undergoing chemotherapy at Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang City, East Java Province, Indonesia.  A purposive sampling was used to recruit a total of 11 participants in this study.  The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through thematic analysis.  The results of this study showed six major themes for coping strategies as follows: (1) increasing spiritual endeavors, (2) getting family and social support, (3) adhering medical advice, (4) finding and receiving support from peers, (5) self-optimism, and (6) maintaining appetite.  This study provides additional insight into patients’ coping strategies with nasopharyngeal cancer.  Understanding coping strategies can help health care providers manage comprehensively the disease and provide psychological and social support.  In addition, support groups and social support for nasopharyngeal cancer patients are strongly needed from peers, caregivers and family in order to cope with anxiety and depression.