Libyan Healthcare Professionals’, Patients’ and Caregivers’ Perceptions and Religious Beliefs about Cancer Pain and its Management

A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Dados Bibliográficos

ID20306751
AutoresSalim M Makhlouf (0000-0002-1567-7757, University of Leeds, autor correspondente), Shenaz Ahmed (0000-0003-4212-0388, University of Leeds), Mike Bennett (0000-0002-8369-8349, University of Leeds), Michael I Bennett
Ano2023
Volume62
Fascículo3
Páginas1897-1919
Data de publicação2023-06-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Religion and Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0022-4197 • E-ISSN: 1573-6571
EditoraSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s10943-023-01763-1
PMID36810722
OpenAlexW4321434030
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas84

Cancer pain remains a significant problem worldwide. It is often undertreated and presents in about half of cancer patients. Although several guidelines and pharmacological interventions for cancer pain management (CPM) exist, inadequate assessment and undertreatment of cancer pain are well-documented globally, especially in developing countries, including Libya. Perceptions, cultural and religious beliefs of healthcare professionals (HCP), patients, and caregivers about cancer pain and opioids are reported as barriers to CPM globally. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore Libyan HCPs’, patients’, and caregivers’ views and religious beliefs about CPM and involved semi-structured interviews with 36 participants: 18 Libyan cancer patients, 6 caregivers, and 12 Libyan HCPs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Patients, caregivers, and newly qualified HCPs were concerned about poor tolerance and drug addiction. HCPs perceived a lack of policies and guidelines, pain rating scales, and professional education and training as CPM barriers. Some patients were unable to pay for medicines if they faced financial difficulties. Instead, patients and caregivers emphasised religious and cultural beliefs for managing cancer pain, including the use of the Qur’an and cautery. Our results suggest that religious and cultural beliefs, lack of knowledge and training in CPM among HCPs, and economic and Libyan healthcare system-related factors negatively affect CPM in Libya

Cancer · Cancer pain · Family medicine · Health care · Perception · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Medicine · Nursing · Pain Management and Opioid Use · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Pharmacological Effects and Toxicity Studies · Psychology