ZEF CPC Colloquium: Psychosocial challenges, quality of life, and social support among women with breast cancer in public hospitals in Ethiopia

December 4, 2024 | 01:00 h - 12:00 h

The group of Cultural and Political Change (CPC) invites you to a ZEF colloquium. 

Topic: Psychosocial challenges, quality of life, and social support among women with breast cancer in public hospitals in Ethiopia

Speaker: Rahel Gebremichael Ago, PhD student at Bonn International Graduate School of Clinical and Population Science (BIGS-CPS)

Join via Zoom: https://uni-bonn.zoom-x.de/j/63052644797?pwd=WmjaQcOV4o1QsPwbYjKD6wImYF54PS.1

Abstract

This study aims to investigate psychosocial challenges, quality of life, and social support among women with breast cancer in two public hospitals in Ethiopia: Jimma Medical Center and Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia, contributing to significant psychosocial distress and economic hardship among on the patients. Despite advancements in cancer care globally, Ethiopian women continue to face barriers that affect their mental health, economic stability, and overall well-being. An institutional-based cross-sectional mixed-method approach will be employed. Both qualitative and quantitative data will be gathered through surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The study participants will be women with breast cancer, family caregivers, and health caregivers. A purposive and simple random sampling technique will be utilized to select the study participants. The study's findings are expected to fill critical gaps in knowledge by providing insights into the psychosocial and economic challenges faced by breast cancer patients in Ethiopia. This research is intended to inform in enhancing holistic care and improving clinical and psychosocial outcomes for breast cancer patients in resource-constrained setting with particular emphasis on Ethiopia.

Rahel Gebremichael Ago is a PhD student at Global Health Institute, University of Bonn; Bonn International Graduate School of Clinical and Population Science (BIGS-CPS). Rahel was a guest student of ZEF BIGS-DR batch 2023 and attended the BIGS-DR Interdisciplinary Course and ZEF CPC Disciplinary Course.