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Self-Management Experiences of Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study

2nd Global Summit on Nursing and Midwifery

08-09, May 2025 | Boston, USA

Mohammad Al Qadire

Al al-Bayit University, Jordan

Abstract :

Cancer, once primarily viewed as an acute illness, has increasingly become a chronic con­dition as advancements in treatment extend patients’ lives. This shift has led to the need for cancer survivors to adopt self-management strategies to manage the physical and emotional effects of the disease. Cancer survivors, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, face unique challenges in self-managing their conditions. This study aimed to explore the home self-management experiences of adult Omani cancer survivors. A qualitative explor­atory design was used, employing semi-structured interviews with 36 Omani cancer survivors. The sample consisted predominantly of women (66.7%), with an average age of 53.1 years. Most participants (52.8%) were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Thematic analy­sis revealed that participants demonstrated a strong sense of autonomy, frequently making independent decisions regarding their care. Faith emerged as a critical coping mechanism, providing emotional resilience, while family support was central to both practical and emo­tional care. This reliance on family reflects cultural differences compared to Western mod­els, where formal support services are more common. Technology, particularly social media, played a mixed role in self-management; younger survivors used it for health information, while older participants were more skeptical and preferred to rely on healthcare providers. The self-management strategies of Omani cancer survivors are deeply influenced by cultural, familial, and religious factors. While autonomy and faith are central to their coping strategies, there remains a need for culturally tailored self-management programs that integrate tradi­tional support systems and modern healthcare resources, including digital literacy education. This study underscores the importance of recognizing cultural contexts in developing effec­tive cancer survivorship interventions.

Biography :

Mohammad Al Qadire is a Professor at the Faculty of Nursing, Al Al-Bayt University, Jordan. He specializes in oncology nursing, palliative care, and cancer pain management, with a focus on improving patient outcomes. Dr. Al Qadire has published over 125 articles and is recognized among the top 2% of scientists globally.