Perceived feasibility and usefulness of mHealth interventions for psychoeducational support among Nigerian women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer: a focus group study

Abstract

Background Women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) receiving chemotherapy have reported various side effects, which adversely affect their psychological state. Evidence suggests that psychoeducational interventions (PEIs) delivered through mobile phones might effectively provide psychoeducational support for this population. However, there is a lack of evidence on Nigerian women’s perception of mobile health (mHealth) PEI, which prompted this study. Method A qualitative study was conducted among women with BC who had completed chemotherapy at two tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted at the oncology clinics. Data were collected using focus groups until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results In total, 32 women were recruited, with seven focus group discussions conducted. The participants were between 22 and 75 years old and mostly diagnosed with Stage III BC. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis, including experiences of BC diagnosis and treatment phase, patients’ needs during chemotherapy, coping with chemotherapy, and perception of mHealth intervention for psychoeducational support. BC diagnosis was devastating, and psychological disturbances were experienced while receiving chemotherapy, but the participants indicated that mHealth intervention was acceptable as it could provide psychological and informational support. The suggested contents include information on chemotherapy, how to deal with the fear of chemotherapy, nutritious diet locally available, and information on exercise. Conclusion This study has shown that the participants perceived a mHealth PEI is feasible and acceptable in providing psychoeducational support for Nigerian women diagnosed with BC receiving chemotherapy. It is hoped that the unmet needs of this population will be addressed while receiving chemotherapy.

Awareness and practice of breast self-examination among female staff at Babcock University, Nigeria

“…Also, the use of smartphone applications led to a fourfold increase in the practice of BSE among the participants in the intervention group of a study that recommended that women use mobile applications to improve their performance and health beliefs regarding BSE [28]. Similarly, as a high level of mobile phone usage has been reported among this population and Nigerians generally during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Nigerian nurses have successfully designed digital interventions using the internet, mHealth interventions can be designed in Nigeria to teach women BSE techniques [29][30][31][32].…”

Symptoms, concerns, and experiences of women living with and beyond breast cancer in Africa: A mixed‐methods systematic review

“…Many women did not realise changes in their breasts could be signs of breast cancer and the lack of knowledge about signs and symptoms of breast cancer contributed to delays in receiving a diagnosis, [52][53][54][55][56]66,75 along with the distance to the cancer centre as many women lived far away. 59 Breast cancer symptoms worsened before women began to seek information about their disease and identify healthcare providers.…”

“…Women received support in cash and kind from members of their community, religious organizations, workplaces, and the health facilities that they attended. [52][53][54][55][56]60,62,[66][67][68][69][70][71][72]…”

“…59 Furthermore, many women who had no formal education were unable to read information pamphlets about breast cancer 59 and were unsure of the relevance of information sought online. 66 A diagnosis of breast cancer changed the lives of women, with fear of death and distress about possible treatment processes commonplace. Participant accounts include experiences of emotional turmoil, shock, depression, sadness, and disbelief.…”

“…Many felt their doctors had told them about their diagnosis and treatment in a causal manner and they were not permitted to participate in treatment decisions. 52,53,55,59,60,63,65,66,72 3.4.2 | Restoration: Readjusting life with cancer Some women tried to normalize their experiences, comparing them to other diseases. 65,68 Across numerous studies, participants drew on religion to cope with their disease, with faith in God increasing for some women.…”