An Evaluation of the Need for Psychosocial Counseling for Saudi Cancer Patients

Abstract

One hundred Saudi cancer patients aware of the nature of their disease were interviewed to determine their reactions to learning the diagnosis and their subsequent adjustment. Sixty-six males and 34 females with a median age of 40 years (range 15 to 76 years) were included. The median follow-up time from diagnosis of cancer was 20 months (range 6 to 131 months). Fifty-one patients were in remission and off therapy. Ninety-two percent of the patients had adverse reactions to the discovery of cancer. Fear and sadness occurred in 60% to 70% of the patients. Emotional and sleep disturbances occurred among 45% to 55% of the patients. Feelings of powerlessness, shock, and anger were less common while shame and guilt were very rare (< 10% of the patients). The median duration of these psychologic reactions was 3 to 5 months. Twenty-three patients had reactions persisting more than a year. Factors such as age, sex, level of education, yearly income, and duration of therapy did not predict who was going to have a chronic psychologic reaction. None of these patients were receiving professional assistance for their psychologic problems. The results of this study indicate that psychosocial support to cancer patients should be made available as part of their total management. This would give them social identity and emotional support, help them feel secure, and enhance their ability to cope with the stress of cancer.

Communicating with Cancer Patients in Saudi Arabia

“…Bedikian and Saleh 2 interviewed 100 Saudi patients with cancer and reported that 93% had an adverse reaction to the diagnosis, with a median duration of symptoms for 3–5 months. None received professional assistance for these problems, and the authors recommended that psychosocial support be available to patients as part of their entire management.…”

Developing Palliative Care Services for Terminally Ill Patients in Saudi Arabia

“…None received professional assistance for these problems and the authors recommended psychosocial support be available to patients as part of their total management. 22 Bedikian, in a further study, interviewed 250 healthy Saudis on their attitudes and knowledge of cancer, which revealed a considerable degree of fear and anxiety about this disease. 23 Similarly, Ibrahim et al interviewed 600 adults on their knowledge and attitudes toward cancer and confirmed the high level of fear and misperceptions about the disease.…”

Palliative Care in Saudi Arabia

“…2 Patients are referred to palliative care medicine from other specialties, i.e., surgery, otolaryngology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology and occasionally neurology. No one person has the sole input to the care of the patient and family.…”