Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the lived experiences of parents pertaining to how cancer in their family affected their lives. In particular the study detailed the participants" challenges and the strategies they adopted in dealing with the challenges. Methodology: An exploratory phenomenology method was used to guide the study. The participants were selected from the Paediatric Oncology Clinic at The Wendy Fitzwilliam"s Paediatric Hospital. Triangulation of different strategies namely, a focus group interview and four key informant interviews were utilized to collect data from ten parents. The data was audiotaped, transcribed and organized into codes and themes. Results: In the main, findings revealed three main themes: reliance on spirituality to cope, psychosocial challenges, and social support system. This study revealed that the lived experiences of parents who care for their children diagnosed with Cancer, are like a never-ending struggle. Discussion: Regardless of the substantial progress in the treatment of Cancer, childhood Cancer is still emotionally, physically, and psychologically challenging for parents and nurses. This was discussed vis a vis literature. Recommendation: The themes highlighted offer opportunities for additional qualitative and quantitative research in the field of oncology and its impact on Trinidadian parents and the Trinidad family system and dynamics. However, further research is needed from the nursing perspective to focus on paediatric oncology.
Objective In the Caribbean, cancer ranks as the second leading cause of mortality. Without interventions, the incidence is predicted to increase by 66% within the next decade, with over 56,000 women being diagnosed with cervical cancer annually and more than 28,000 succumbing to the disease. However, life-saving prevention and treatment measures are available. This research sought to explore potential differences in knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to receive HPV vaccinations among male and female undergraduate students at a chosen Community College in St. Lucia.Methods This investigation utilized a descriptive, quantitative, and cross-sectional approach, with participants (n = 100) chosen through random sampling and completing 59-item self-administered questionnaires addressing the targeted variables. Multivariable statistical techniques were employed to determine independent predictors for HPV-vaccine acceptance among participants.Results Despite recognizing the associated risks, the findings highlighted a substantial deficit in public health promotion efforts. Firstly, although HPV is widespread in St. Lucia and causes cancer in both genders, there is insufficient awareness-raising about HPV. Secondly, the vaccine is not accessible in St. Lucia. Thirdly, the high expenses associated with the vaccine ($500 US) and HPV test ($275 EC) serve as barriers to obtaining them. Lastly, HPV vaccine uptake was minimal among participants; only 7 out of 100 had been vaccinated and received it in the US. Despite low vaccine uptake, 53% acknowledged the urgent need for vaccination.Conclusions Integrating HPV vaccination within healthcare and HPV awareness initiatives can yield positive outcomes in mitigating cancer's long-term impact on St. Lucia's male and female populations. Educational programs could prove advantageous in enhancing knowledge about HPV and vaccinations.
Purpose: To ascertain the Knowledge levels, Attitudes and Beliefs towards Organ Donation by Relatives of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit at two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Trinidad. Methods: A quantitative descriptive study in which the researchers’-designed and pretested self-administered questionnaire was used on a sample of 133 randomly selected patients’ relatives from two main intensive care hospitals units of Trinidad. The respondents were requested to give their consent after necessary ethical approval was received. Data entry was done manually but the analysis was done with the SPSS version 12 programme. Results were presented as frequencies. Results: Demographic characteristics indicate that most were females, of African ethnicity, and Christianity as their main religion. The majority of participants had high level of knowledge (69.2%) while 57.9% of them had unfavourable attitude towards organ donation. Most (86.5%) had positive belief. It also showed that the respondents’ knowledge towards organ donation is significantly related to their age and religion, (P≤, 0.05) while their attitudes are significantly related to their gender and ethnicity (p≤0.05). Their belief is only significantly associated with their marital status. Discussion: The findings of the study were compared with previous studies and the researchers showed how the relevant theories that guided the study were used to explain the findings. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the researchers made a number of recommendations particularly related to public education in attempt to address the attitudes of the public related to organ donation in Trinidad and Tobago.
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