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PURPOSE: Nigeria has the highest burden of breast cancer (BC) in Africa. While the survival rates for BC are over 90% in many high-income countries; low-and middle-income countries like Nigeria have 40% BC survival rates. Prior studies show that the burden and poor BC survival rates are exacerbated by both health system and individual level factors, yet there is a paucity of literature on the experiences of BC survivors in Nigeria. Hence, this study explored the divergent and convergent experiences of BC survivors in accessing, navigating, and coping with treatment. METHODS: Participants (N = 24, aged 35 to 73 years) were recruited and engaged in focus group discussions (group 1, n = 11; group 2, n = 13 participants). Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: "I am carrying this [breast cancer] alone," "Living my life," "'God' helped me," and "A very painful journey." Participants described how they concealed their BC diagnosis from family and significant others while accessing and navigating BC treatment. Also, they adopted spiritual beliefs as a coping mechanism while sticking to their treatment and acknowledging the burden of BC on their well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings explored the emotional burden of BC diagnosis and treatment and the willingness of the BC survivors to find meaning in their diagnosis. Treatment for BC survivors should integrate supportive care and innovative BC access tools to reduce pain and mitigate the burdens of BC. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The integration of innovative technologies for venous access and other treatment needs of BC is crucial and will improve survivorship. Non-disclosure of BC diagnosis is personal and complicated; hence, BC survivors need to be supported at various levels of care and treatment to make meaningful decisions. To improve survivorship, patient engagement is crucial in shared decision-making, collaboration, and active participation in care.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Cancer Survivors , Humans , Female , Breast Neoplasms/therapy , Spouses , Survivors , Survivorship , PainABSTRACT
The purpose of this pilot study was to test the efficacy of an online navigation training designed to improve trainee confidence in performing core patient navigation tasks among Nigerian nurses, patient advocates, and cancer survivors. The online training originally designed for US patient navigators was supplemented by a Nigerian health system interactive session. Nurses, advocates, and cancer survivors (n = 36) were recruited to take a patient navigation training from May-June 2020 that consisted of approximately 10 h of online content and a 2-h online session. Trainees enrolled in the no-cost training and completed all 20 lessons. Post-intervention interviews (n = 10) were conducted to garner feedback from trainees. Trainees reported statistically significant improvements in confidence in performing core competencies for cancer patient navigation across all lessons. Feedback was generally positive with trainees expressing satisfaction and appreciation for the training. Challenges included lack of free, broadband Internet access leading to data streaming costs on the part of trainees. Trainees who were oncology nurses indicated that funding, time, and staffing constraints could impede implementation of patient navigation in practice; but these trainees also expressed new ideas for patient support and advocacy to alleviate some barriers to care for their patients as a result of the training. This study provided preliminary data that supports the feasibility and utility of using the GW Cancer Center online patient navigation training in non-US settings. Small adaptations to training content and technological delivery could improve access to the training experience. Implementation science approaches are needed to inform sustainable patient navigation in low-resource settings.
Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Neoplasms , Patient Navigation , Humans , Neoplasms/therapy , Nigeria , Pilot ProjectsSubject(s)
Delivery of Health Care, Integrated/organization & administration , Developing Countries , Health Promotion/organization & administration , Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration , Medical Oncology/organization & administration , Men's Health , Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy , Early Detection of Cancer , Humans , Male , Nigeria/epidemiology , Patient Education as Topic/organization & administration , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Prostatic Neoplasms/mortalityABSTRACT
The Nigerian Civil War (or Nigerian-Biafran War, 1967-1970) was fought between the Nigerian federal government and the defunct Republic of Biafra. Biafra recruited young men and boys (child soldiers) to fight the war, but little attention has been given to understanding the mental health outcomes of the War on Biafran veterans. Although there are few studies on social support in relation to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in this older veteran population, the mechanism through which social support influences PTSD has not received much attention. Hence, we investigated whether self-efficacy explains the association between social support and PTSD symptoms in a sample of Biafran War veterans. They were recruited from the Veterans' association in south-east Nigeria (N = 250; Mage = 71.33 years, SD = 7.11), and completed self-report measures of social support, self-efficacy, and PTSD symptoms. Results showed that veterans with greater social support (ß = -.49, p < .001) and high self-efficacy reported less PTSD symptoms (ß = -.55, p < .001). Above all, social support predicted decreased PTSD symptoms risk through increased self-efficacy, 95% CI [-0.53, -0.29]. By implication, social support may be associated with lower PTSD symptoms because it enhances efficacy beliefs, and thereby leads to less PTSD symptoms.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Advancing automation technologies are replacing certain occupations such as those involving simple food preparation more than occupations such as those in STEM fields (e.g., engineering and health care). Older workers generally face higher job automation risks in part due to their lower levels of digital skills. A better understanding of the associations between job automation risk, digital skills, and type of occupation (e.g., STEM vs non-STEM) can facilitate preparations for job automation and workforce population aging. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed a nationally representative sample (Nâ =â 1,560) of middle-aged and older U.S. workers aged 50-74 years from the 2012/2014/2017 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) restricted-use file. The estimated job automation risks (i.e., percentage of jobs to be automated in the next decades) were derived from the previous studies. PIAAC digital problem-solving skills proficiency (measured on a scale of 0-500 points) was assessed based on a series of practical digital tasks (e.g., finding a job research website that does not require registration). RESULTS: Linear regression analysis showed that greater digital skill proficiency (bâ =â -0.04, pâ <â .05) and STEM occupations (bâ =â -17.78, pâ <â .001) each were associated with lower job automation risks, even after adjusting for a series of demographic, socioeconomic, and civic engagement characteristics. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Education and labor policy interventions to promote digital skills among older workers and non-STEM workers may better prepare an aging workforce for the dynamic labor market needs in the United States.
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Occupations , Humans , Middle Aged , United States , Male , Female , Aged , AutomationABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Previous research demonstrates that social support facilitates successful aging across all cultures. However, the factors that potentially mediate the link between social support and successful aging remain unclear. This study examined whether a healthy lifestyle and self-esteem mediate the association between social support and successful aging. It was hypothesized that the relationship between social support (family, friends, and significant other) and successful aging would be serially mediated by both healthy lifestyle and self-esteem. Research Design and Methods: Participants were 479 Nigerian retirees (53.4% female) aged 60 to 90 years (Mageâ =â 64.81, SDâ =â 6.86). They provided information on relevant demographic variables and completed the following measures: Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist (Fitness Appraisal), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale, and Successful Aging Inventory. Three separate regression models (family, friends, and significant other dimensions of social support) were conducted using the Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS with 5,000 bootstrap estimates. Results: Controlling for age and sex, family support, significant other support, friends support, healthy lifestyle, and self-esteem were directly associated with successful aging. The association between family support and successful aging was mediated by healthy lifestyle; and this was also seen for friends' support and significant other support. The sequential path from social support to successful aging through healthy lifestyle, and then via improved self-esteem, was significant for family support and significant other support, but not friends support. Discussion and Implications: Findings suggest that middle-aged to older adults who have strong support from their families and significant others may be more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and, in turn, experience higher levels of self-esteem, thereby aging well.
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BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer is a challenging disease to diagnose and treat effectively with five-year survival rates below 50%. Previous patient experience research in high-income countries highlighted common challenges and opportunities to improve survival and quality of life for women affected by ovarian cancer. However, no comparable data exist for low-and middle-income countries, where 70% of women with the disease live. This study aims to address this evidence gap. METHODS: This is an observational multi-country study set in low- and middle-income countries. We aim to recruit over 2000 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer across multiple hospitals in 24 countries in Asia, Africa and South America. Country sample sizes have been calculated (n = 70-96 participants /country), taking account of varying national five-year disease prevalence rates. Women within five years of their diagnosis, who are in contact with participating hospitals, are invited to take part in the study. A questionnaire has been adapted from a tool previously used in high-income countries. It comprises 57 multiple choice and two open-ended questions designed to collect information on demographics, women's knowledge of ovarian cancer, route to diagnosis, access to treatments, surgery and genetic testing, support needs, the impact of the disease on women and their families, and their priorities for action. The questionnaire has been designed in English, translated into local languages and tested according to local ethics requirements. Questionnaires will be administered by a trained member of the clinical team. CONCLUSION: This study will inform further research, advocacy, and action in low- and middle-income countries based on tailored approaches to the national, regional and global challenges and opportunities. In addition, participating countries can choose to repeat the study to track progress and the protocol can be adapted for other countries and other diseases.
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Developing Countries , Ovarian Neoplasms , Quality of Life , Humans , Female , Ovarian Neoplasms/therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/mortality , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnosis , Surveys and Questionnaires , Asia/epidemiology , Africa/epidemiology , South America/epidemiology , Survival Rate , Adult , Middle AgedSubject(s)
Global Health/trends , Health Equity/trends , Health Services Accessibility/trends , Healthcare Disparities/trends , Medical Oncology/trends , Neoplasms/therapy , Forecasting , Health Equity/organization & administration , Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration , Health Services Needs and Demand/trends , Healthcare Disparities/organization & administration , Humans , Medical Oncology/organization & administration , Needs Assessment/trends , Neoplasms/mortalityABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: While some countries have positive outlooks and technology at their disposals to detect and treat cancer in its earliest stages, other countries frequently demonstrate trends of late-stage presentation and treatment hesitancy. Nigeria is a nation that has a high cancer burden, with poorer outcomes than higher income countries (HICs). To add to the body of cancer knowledge in global health, and inform relevant policies to improve cancer survivorship, our study offers insight on cancer survivors' experiences in accessing care and support in Nigeria. METHODS: The study employed a qualitative descriptive method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 30 female breast cancer survivors in Nigeria (Mage = 42 years). Their responses were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. RESULTS: The four major themes identified were: 1) views about chemotherapy and treatments; 2) support from families and others; 3) support from health care providers; and 4) religion and coping. Each of these themes include sub-themes that offer insights on the dualities of cancer survivorship. DISCUSSION: The high cancer death rate in Nigeria may be masking the growing number of cancer survivors, especially women diagnosed with breast cancer. It is important to design interventions that not only target cancer prevention but improving the health and quality of life of those affected by cancer in Nigeria until end of life. The findings highlight a critical need for more attention on cancer survivorship in Nigeria.
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Breast Neoplasms , Cancer Survivors , Physicians , Male , Humans , Female , Quality of Life , Survivors , Adaptation, Psychological , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosisABSTRACT
PURPOSE: A recent estimate indicates that Nigeria has about 70 clinical oncologists (COs) providing care for 124,815 patients with cancer and its 213 million total population. This staggering deficit is likely to worsen as about 90% of Nigerian physicians are eager to leave the country for perceived greener pastures in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, etc. Previous studies have examined general physician migration abroad; however, the CO workforce in Nigeria has been barely considered in the workforce literature. This study examined the push and pull factors to stay or leave the CO workforce and Nigeria. METHODS: Using a correlational design, 64 COs completed turnover intention (TI), workload, and satisfaction measures. Multiple linear regression was used for the data analysis. RESULTS: The results show that CO workload (number of outpatients attended to; r = 0.30, P < .01) and satisfaction with the delivery of CO care (r = 0.23, P < .05) were significantly related to TI. The number of outpatients seen was also positively linked to TI. Hence, the more outpatients a CO sees, the higher the intention to leave. The United States (31%), the United Kingdom (30%), and Canada (10%) were the top countries of destinations for Nigerian COs. CONCLUSION: Higher CO workload is a push factor propelling the intention to leave CO practice and relocate to other countries. Nigeria's new National Cancer Control Plan and the Federal Ministry of Health need to explore innovative approaches to attract and retain the CO workforce, which would lead to improvement in cancer survival and outcomes. Increasing the number of CO programs and positions available, improving work conditions, and introducing work benefits may mitigate the shrinking CO workforce in Nigeria.
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Neoplasms , Physicians , Humans , United States , Nigeria/epidemiology , Brain Drain , Workforce , Medical Oncology , Neoplasms/therapyABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Access to radiotherapy (RT) is now one of the stark examples of global cancer inequities. More than 800,000 new cancer cases require potentially curative or palliative RT services in Africa, arguably <15% of these patients currently have access to this important service. For a population of more than 206 million, Nigeria requires a minimum of 280 RT machines for the increasing number of cancer cases. Painfully, the country has only eight Government-funded RT machines. This study aimed to evaluate the status of the eight Government-funded RT services in Nigeria and their ability to deliver effective RT to their patients. METHODS: A survey addressing 10 critical areas was used to assess the eight Government-funded RT services in Nigeria. RESULTS: Unfortunately, six of the eight centers (75%) surveyed have not treated patients with RT because they do not have functioning teletherapy machines in 2021. Only two RT centers have the capability of treating patients using advanced RT techniques. There is no positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan in any of the Government-funded RT centers. The workforce capacity and infrastructure across the eight centers are limited. All of the centers lack residency training programs for medical physicists and radiation therapy technologists resulting in very few well-trained staff. CONCLUSION: As the Nigerian Government plans for the new National Cancer Control Plan, there is an urgent need to scale up access to RT by upgrading the RT equipment, workforce, and infrastructure to meet the current needs of Nigerian patients with cancer. Although the shortfall is apparent from a variety of RT-capacity databases, this detailed analysis provides essential information for an implementation plan involving solutions from within Nigeria and with global partners.
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Neoplasms , Radiation Oncology , Humans , Nigeria/epidemiology , Workforce , Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: There is limited access to quality palliative care (PC) for patients with advanced cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. Our aim was to describe the development of the Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes-Palliative Care in Africa (ECHO-PACA) program and describe a preliminary evaluation of attitudes and knowledge of participants regarding the ability of the program to deliver quality PC. METHODS: An interdisciplinary team at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, guided by experts in PC in sub-Saharan Africa, adapted a standardized curriculum based on PC needs in the region. Participants were then recruited, and monthly telementoring sessions were held for 16 months. The monthly telementoring sessions consisted of case presentations, discussions, and didactic lectures. Program participants came from 14 clinics and teaching hospitals in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. Participants were surveyed at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the 16-month program to evaluate changes in attitudes and knowledge of PC. RESULTS: The median number of participants per session was 30. Thirty-three (83%) of 40 initial participants completed the feedback survey. Health care providers' self-reported confidence in providing PC increased with participation in the Project ECHO-PACA clinic. There was significant improvement in the participants' attitudes and knowledge, especially in titrating opioids for pain control (P = .042), appropriate use of non-opioid analgesics (P = .012), and identifying and addressing communication issues related to end-of-life care (P = .014). CONCLUSION: Project ECHO-PACA was a successful approach for disseminating knowledge about PC. The participants were adherent to ECHO PACA clinics and the completion of feedback surveys. Future studies should evaluate the impact of Project ECHO-PACA on changes in provider practice as well as patient outcomes.