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Research Article
The Perceptions of Traditional Healers Regarding Cancers in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Aminu Mohammed*,
Bezabih Amsalu,
Betelhem Mengist,
Asma Bireda,
Mickiale Hailu
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
42-49
Received:
4 January 2024
Accepted:
31 July 2024
Published:
15 August 2024
Abstract: Background: Many cancer patients in low-income countries seek care from traditional healers and use traditional medicines for cancer treatment. However, little is known about the perceptions and influence of traditional healers and the treatment decisions of cancer patients. Thus, we aimed to explore the perceptions of traditional healers regarding cancer, which can help in preventive interventions, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality from cancer. Methods: This ethnographic study was conducted between April and August 2023 in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. Purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling techniques were used to sample participants. In-depth interviews were conducted individually at participants’ homes in quiet places, and in the absence of respondents, between 45 and 55 minutes, using a semi-structured tool aided by a voice recorder and field notes. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim within a week, and thematic qualitative analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes. Results: Seven major themes were identified in traditional healers’ perceptions of cancer: (i) respondents’ perception of cancer; (ii) perceived causes of cancer; (iii) perceived signs of cancer; (iv) perceived transmission of cancer; (v) respondents’ perception of cancer detection; (vi) respondents' perception of cancer treatment; and (vii) respondents’ perception of ‘no modern cure for cancer. Conclusion: Traditional healers have limitations on their perception of cancer, including what cancer it is, its causes, signs, identification, and treatments. Thus, traditional healers need to be provided training and behavioral-changing interventions about cancer in order to improve cancer interventions.
Abstract: Background: Many cancer patients in low-income countries seek care from traditional healers and use traditional medicines for cancer treatment. However, little is known about the perceptions and influence of traditional healers and the treatment decisions of cancer patients. Thus, we aimed to explore the perceptions of traditional healers regarding...
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Research Article
Reigniting the Flame: Moving from Burnout Toward Resiliency at an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
50-55
Received:
29 July 2024
Accepted:
20 August 2024
Published:
6 September 2024
Abstract: Introduction: Resilience and burnout are current healthcare buzzwords. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to create programming to improve healthcare worker resilience while minimizing burnout symptoms in the workplace environment have increased exponentially. Informal, grassroots effort gave rise to a robust resiliency committee and the development of a Division of Employee Resiliency entirely dedicated to building employee resilience and preventing burnout at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, in Buffalo, NY. Methods: Qualitative data was obtained through conversations with multidisciplinary staff members to understand organizational strengths and growth areas. The Mini-Z 2.0 survey was offered to all employees to understand the experience of joy at work, supportive environment, and pace and stress. Results: Qualitative findings indicated that while serving patients and focusing on the mission are consistently identified strengths, concerns about workload, recognition, work relationships, fairness, autonomy, and values conflicts exist. Quantitatively, scores on the Mini-Z suggests that employees do not experience a joyful workplace, working in a under supportive environments, do not have manageable stress and pace, and experience burnout symptoms. Discussion: A strategic approach combines individual interventions with programmatic and organizational initiatives designed to support systemic change. As burnout and moral distress remain high due to evolving stressors and challenges, tracking burnout, and implementing system-level change, based upon quantitative data and qualitative accounts, may improve workplace culture, promote individual resilience, and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract: Introduction: Resilience and burnout are current healthcare buzzwords. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to create programming to improve healthcare worker resilience while minimizing burnout symptoms in the workplace environment have increased exponentially. Informal, grassroots effort gave rise to a robust resiliency committee and the...
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Research Article
Assessing Surface Guided Radiation Therapy Benefits for Paediatric Cancer Patients: Dosimetric Implications of Intrafractional Motion - An Institutional Review
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
56-61
Received:
30 July 2024
Accepted:
26 August 2024
Published:
20 September 2024
Abstract: Introduction/Background: SGRT, a real-time imaging technique, offers continuous monitoring and motion control during treatment. The investigation aims to assess potential dosimetric alterations in target coverage due to intrafractional motion, considering its impact on patient safety and treatment efficiency. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to assess intrafractional shifts in 18 paediatric cancer patients. Patient setup employed SGRT using AlignRT (Vision RT Ltd., UK), and the PTV was aligned with CBCT. The study introduced induced shifts of 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm during treatment delivery, assessing their impact on portal dosimetry results for both treatment fields. The gamma index criteria (3%, 3 mm) were employed to evaluate dosimetric accuracy. Results: A total of 18 patients were included, and induced shifts were analyzed for their impact on the planned gamma index values. Significant differences were observed between the Planned Gamma Index and induced shifts of 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm for both treatment fields, highlighting the dosimetric implications of intrafractional motion in paediatric cases. Conclusion: Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) is concluded to offer a comprehensive array of benefits for paediatric cases. The dosimetric implications of induced shifts underscore the importance of SGRT in ensuring accurate and safe treatment for paediatric cancer patients.
Abstract: Introduction/Background: SGRT, a real-time imaging technique, offers continuous monitoring and motion control during treatment. The investigation aims to assess potential dosimetric alterations in target coverage due to intrafractional motion, considering its impact on patient safety and treatment efficiency. Materials and Methods: A retrospective ...
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Research Article
Married Men's Barriers to Supporting Wives' Cervical Cancer Screening in the Rural Dire Dawa Administration, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Aminu Mohammed*,
Leyla Abrar Bedru,
Neima Ridwan Abdu,
Abdusellam Yimer,
Ahmedin Aliyi Usso
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
62-70
Received:
17 August 2024
Accepted:
5 September 2024
Published:
26 September 2024
Abstract: Background: A man's non-supporting wife is one of the barriers to cervical cancer screening. However, research about men’s barriers to supporting screening is limited to the study region, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, this study aimed to explore barriers for married men to support wives' cervical cancer screening, which can help in prevention interventions. Methods: A qualitative study between August and September 2023 was conducted in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. In-depth interviews were conducted individually in quiet places, using a semi-structured tool aided by a voice recorder and field notes. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was used to identify themes. The report was reviewed using the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies) check list. Results: Four main themes were identified. Barriers related to awareness, perception, traditional healers and religious leaders influence, and a lack of men’s involvement in community women’s reproductive education. Conclusion: Barriers for married men to support wives for cervical cancer screening are systemic and are related to self, community, and government interventions. Therefore, it is crucial to develop programs that are systemic healthcare facilities, family- and society-oriented, culturally sensitive, and inclusive in order to address these factors. Furthermore, conducting additional multi-perspective research, which includes both spouses, family, community, health professionals, and health service leaders’ perspectives, is essential to effectively tackling these factors.
Abstract: Background: A man's non-supporting wife is one of the barriers to cervical cancer screening. However, research about men’s barriers to supporting screening is limited to the study region, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, this study aimed to explore barriers for married men to support wives' cervical cancer screening, which can help in preven...
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Kathryn Glaser
