Emanueli Amosi Msengi

Life Experiences of Women Diagnosed With Cervical Cancer in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

ABSTRACT Background Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) bears the highest global burden of cervical cancer. Living with the disease is a complex experience, leading to significant changes across various biopsychosocial dimensions, which in turn affect the quality of life of affected women. Aims This review aimed to synthesize available scientific evidence on the life experiences of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in SSA in order to generate valuable insights into the care of the affected population. Methods Seven electronic databases were searched in August 2024, supplemented by manual reference list searching and snowballing to identify additional relevant studies. The eligibility criteria for inclusion were studies that sampled women (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with cervical cancer, used qualitative methodology, explored life experiences with cervical cancer as a primary aim, and were published between January 2015 and August 2024. The 10‐item Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of individual studies. The findings of the studies were thematically synthesized to generate analytical themes. Results A total of 14 studies were included, with the largest proportion of studies conducted in Ghana and South Africa. Four main themes highlighting the life experiences of women diagnosed with cervical cancer emerged from the synthesis: physical and psychosexual disruptions, knowledge of cervical cancer, socio‐economic challenges, and treatment experiences. Conclusions The findings highlight the profound physical, psychological, sexual, and socio‐economic experiences of cervical cancer on women in SSA. To improve cervical cancer outcomes in the region, it is crucial to provide comprehensive, culturally sensitive care that emphasizes public awareness, early detection, psychological support, socio‐economic interventions, and both curative and palliative treatment options.

Experiences of caring for women with cervical cancer: A qualitative study among male partners in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

AbstractBackgroundMore than three‐fourths of cervical cancer cases occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries, with sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) accounting for approximately 25% of global mortality. The significant rise in the prevalence of cervical cancer in SSA amplifies the burden on caregivers, contributing to elevated rates of mental illness, particularly among spouses who provide care. Men who assume the role of caregivers for their partners with cervical cancer encounter unique challenges and substantial adjustments across multiple facets of life, impacting both their own quality of life and that of their partners. Despite this, there is a notable lack of extensive research on the experiences of male partners in caregiving roles, particularly within SSA countries like Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of male partners providing care for women with cervical cancer in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study was undertaken to explore the experiences of 13 male partners, selected purposively and guided by the principle of saturation. Data gathering employed in‐depth interviews utilizing a semistructured interview guide, with subsequent analysis conducted via a thematic analysis approach.ResultsFive themes and 13 subthemes were generated, encompassing psychosocial distress, attitudes towards cervical cancer, unity in the provision of care, economic burden, and altered sexual relationships. Participants reported experiencing emotional distress, shifts in social responsibilities, financial challenges, and unfulfilled sexual needs. Moreover, they expressed the need for social, psychological, financial, and sexual and reproductive support.ConclusionThis study underscores the numerous challenges encountered by male partners caring for women with cervical cancer, encompassing emotional distress, financial strain, and shifts in social and sexual dynamics. The identified themes and subthemes highlight the intricate interplay of these difficulties and stress the necessity for holistic support systems addressing the social, psychological, financial, and sexual aspects of male partners' experiences. The findings emphasize the importance of designing and implementing comprehensive support programmes tailored to the diverse needs of male partners, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and overall well‐being.Patient or Public ContributionBefore the study, the nursing manager assisted in selecting three male partners randomly. These partners were involved in the design of the participants' information sheet, the evaluation of the interview schedule and rooms, and the dissemination of information about the study's purpose to the target population. Their valuable input contributed to improving the participant information sheet, refining data collection procedures and addressing ethical considerations. However, these individuals were not considered study participants. Throughout the study, in‐charge nurses in the hospital were informed about the study's goals and helped organize appointments with participants and manage the interview schedule.