Distressing
Distressing
Factors Experienced by Jordanian Adolescents with Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Ghada Mohammad Abu Shosha
Department of Child Health
Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zarqa University – Jordan
Abstract: Background: Cancer is the second cause of death after
cardiovascular diseases in Jordan. The outset of the disease is a
traumatic life event as cancer patients encounter many stressors resulting from
cancer diagnosis, medical interventions, and treatment downside effects. Aim: This
study aimed to explore distressing factors experienced by Jordanian adolescents
with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy. Method: A
qualitative exploratory design was used to gain an understanding about
this phenomenon. Fifteen adolescents were recruited purposively from two major
cancer treatment centers in Amman, the capital of Jordan. Data were gathered
through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews allowing participants to speak
freely about their own experiences. These interviews were transcribed verbatim
and translated from Arabic into English. Dataset was analyzed using the
inductive thematic analysis technique. Results: The study
revealed many sources of distress that adolescents were engaged with. These
sources were organized into three major themes: "Physical-related
stressors", "Emotional-related stressors", and
"Treatment-related stressors". However, participants demonstrated
mastery to adapt with their stressors using some adaptation strategies which
have formed the fourth theme "Enhancing
normality". Conclusion: Cancer has a tremendous
impact on adolescents' lives. Religion and social support were key factors that
helped adolescents to continue living comfortably with their distressing
situation. Nurses are encouraged to develop such social networks between
patients and their healthy peers to enhance their sense of normality. In
addition, nurses should appraise patients' specific problems, making purposeful
plans, and initiating timely nursing intervention.
[Ghada
Mohammad Abu Shosha. Distressing Factors Experienced by Jordanian
Adolescents with Cancer: A Qualitative Study. J Am Sci 2013;9(6):308-316].
(ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience.org. 36
Keywords: Cancer, Distress, Adolescents, Jordan, Nursing. Full Text 36
