Financial burden of lymphedema among breast cancer survivors in Iran: A qualitative study.

Autor: Yarmohammadi H; Quality of Life Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, No.146, South Gandi Ave, Vanak Sq, Tehran 1517964311, Iran., Soltanipur M; Quality of Life Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, No.146, South Gandi Ave, Vanak Sq, Tehran 1517964311, Iran., Shahrabi Farahani M; Medical Students Research Committee, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran., Hosseini SE; Medical Students Research Committee, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran., Sheikhi Z; Quality of Life Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, No.146, South Gandi Ave, Vanak Sq, Tehran 1517964311, Iran. Electronic address: 954230010@shahed.ac.ir.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Journal de medecine vasculaire [J Med Vasc] 2024 Dec; Vol. 49 (5-6), pp. 203-210. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Sep 19.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdmv.2024.09.001
Abstrakt: Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic complication of breast cancer that requires long-term management. This condition imposes significant disturbance on breast cancer survivors (BCSs) physically, emotionally, and, financially. The purpose of this study was to approach the financial burden of BCRL in Iran.
Methods: This qualitative study was performed based on the standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR) guidelines. Semi-structured and in-depth interviews were conducted using a voice recorder. Data analysis was performed based on the content analysis method of Graneheim and Lundman. Nine women with BCRL participated in the study.
Results: Three major themes were generated based on the captured data: (1) direct costs related to BCRL management, (2) indirect costs imposed by BCRL at work or home, and, (3) benefits of costs which was a great concern of BCSs that how much these costs eventually make their condition better. High costs of garments, lack of insurance coverage, and, difficulties in accessing lymphedema care were among the frequently mentioned problems by BCSs with BCRL.
Conclusion: The financial burden of BCRL is significant on BCSs in Iran. The establishment of insurance coverage policies, easier access to health services, and, implanting patient-centered measures in evidence-based lymphedema guidelines, could be proper interventions to lower the financial burden of BCRL.
(Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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