Experiences of Patients in Turkey with Breast Cancer throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic and their Coping Mechanisms: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This research was conducted in Turkey to determine the experiences and coping mechanisms of breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was conducted using qualitative descriptive phenomenology. Data were collected from ten patients via in-depth interviews through semi-structured questionnaires. Content analysis, incorporating a combination of deductive and inductive approaches, was conducted to determine the themes and subthemes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, simultaneously with the analysis and collected data. The study data were categorized into 3 contexts, 7 themes and 39 subthemes. The first context titled “Problems accompanying the disease” includes the effects of the pandemic, the fear of being infected with COVID-19 and hospital-related themes. The second context titled “Coping strategies” comprises the themes of coping behaviors and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The last context is titled “Anxiety about being infected, and suggestions for the future”. In the study, problems experienced by patients with breast cancer throughout the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated from a broad perspective. Patients treated in chemotherapy units constitute the vulnerable group affected by the pandemic most. Therefore, it is important to investigate the experiences of oncology patients, particularly of patients with breast cancer and their coping strategies, and to take necessary precautions accordingly.

Perspectives of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…25 Interviews with patients with metastatic breast cancer have also revealed perspectives about the use of telehealth for their cancer care and the use of virtual communication to participate in support groups, 26 and interviews with breast cancer survivors have demonstrated mechanisms for coping with the challenges posed by the pandemic. 19,20,27 Our study findings add to this breadth of knowledge by providing perspectives from patients in active treatment at a time in the pandemic during which COVID-19 variants were contributing to infection surges and when vaccines were widely available. Our interviews therefore shed light on breast cancer patients' perspectives about COVID-19 vaccination that have not been commonly reported in other qualitative studies of this patient population.…”

“…For example, qualitative studies have examined patients' attitudes about adhering to mammogram appointments, 23 opinions about delays in breast cancer screening, 24 and perceptions related to the diagnosis of breast cancer during the early waves of the pandemic, prior to the availability of COVID‐19 vaccines 25 . Interviews with patients with metastatic breast cancer have also revealed perspectives about the use of telehealth for their cancer care and the use of virtual communication to participate in support groups, 26 and interviews with breast cancer survivors have demonstrated mechanisms for coping with the challenges posed by the pandemic 19,20,27 …”

“… 25 Interviews with patients with metastatic breast cancer have also revealed perspectives about the use of telehealth for their cancer care and the use of virtual communication to participate in support groups, 26 and interviews with breast cancer survivors have demonstrated mechanisms for coping with the challenges posed by the pandemic. 19 , 20 , 27 …”

College Graduates’ Negative Life Experiences, Coping Strategies and Enlightenment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study in China

“… 33 Emotional coping mechanisms and turning to the inner world have been determined to reduce distress and depression and to increase the quality of life. 60 , 61 Those who employ a positive attitude as a coping strategy may be less likely to experience psychological distress. 62 Coping strategies such as positive reframing, humor, and acceptance, were associated with better mental health.…”