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- Title
Navigating the Cancer Journey: Experiences and Perspectives of Young Adult Patients in Tunisia.
- Authors
Berrazaga, Yosra; Rachdi, Haifa; Saadi, Myriam; Haouari, Ahmed Anas; Fendri, Sofiene; Daoud, Nouha; Mejri, Nesrine; Boussen, Hamouda
- Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences of young adult cancer patients within the Tunisian context. Methods: A total of 104 patients between the ages of 20 and 40, undergoing treatment for various types and stages of cancer, participated in a questionnaire-based survey. The survey encompassed topics related to the socioeconomic and psychological impacts of cancer, coping mechanisms, relationships, sexuality, and future aspirations. Results: Of the participants, 78 were women (75%) and 26 were men (25%), with an average age of 33 years. Financial difficulties were reported by 60 patients (57.7%). The most common emotional responses to the diagnosis were sadness (54.8%), followed by denial (18.3%) and anger (5.8%). Thirteen patients (12.5%) choose not to receive information about the stage of their disease. In addition, 42 patients (40.4%) experienced a decrease in perceived physical attractiveness, while negative effects on sexuality were observed in 44.2% of cases. The primary concerns reported by patients were the fear of recurrence or progression (48%) and infertility (48%). Furthermore, 43 patients (41.3%) expressed a decrease in self-confidence, notably influenced by financial difficulties (OR: 2.77 [95% CI: 1.12–6.87]), physical alterations (OR: 0.18 [95% CI: 0.07–0.45]), and sexual issues (OR: 0.17 [95% CI: 0.06–0.48]). Notably, 78 patients (75%) continued to make future plans, particularly those under 30 years of age (OR: 0.2 [95% CI: 0.04–0.96]). Moreover, 47.1% of patients expressed an inclination toward immigration to developed countries, primarily due to perceived superior health care systems (61.5%). Conclusions: Young cancer patients face a range of social and psychological challenges, suggesting the necessity for a specialized care approach.
- Subjects
TUNISIA; FEAR; EMIGRATION &; immigration; ATTITUDES toward illness; SADNESS; CANCER relapse; QUESTIONNAIRES; SOCIOECONOMIC factors; HUMAN sexuality; ANGER; INFERTILITY; DEVELOPED countries; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; BODY image; CONFIDENCE; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; CHI-squared test; EXPERIENCE; SURVEYS; FINANCIAL stress; ODDS ratio; PSYCHOLOGICAL stress; PERSONAL beauty; TUMORS; CANCER patient psychology; INTERPERSONAL relations; CONFIDENCE intervals; DATA analysis software; PATIENTS' attitudes; DISEASE progression; ADULTS
- Publication
Journal of Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology, 2024, Vol 13, Issue 3, p541
- ISSN
2156-5333
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1089/jayao.2023.0106