Behavioural Pattern of Post-Mastectomy Patients Attending Radiotherapy Clinic At Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Journal Title: Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research - Year 2014, Vol 2, Issue 10
Abstract
This study explored the pattern of some of the behaviours of post-mastectomy patients attending the radiotherapy clinic at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria and factors influencing some selected behaviours were identified. Six-five post-mastectomy patients who gave their informed consent to participate in their study were purposively selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which had been tested for face validity and reliability. Data generated from the study were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical procedures. A negative pattern of behaviour was observed where behaviour involved in public religious, social and outdoor activities as well as sexual behaviour were concerned. However, family relationships and cosmetic behaviours improved. Majority (76.9%) of the women experienced emotional trauma, which resulted in them making positive efforts to improve their cosmetic outlook. Some of the cosmetic enhancing behaviours included the use of special accessories and protective dressing. This behaviour pattern was observed more among married than single women and those who went out to work. Family relationships were improved as www.jmscr.igmpublication.org Impact Factor 3.79 ISSN (e)-2347-176x Ominyi, Jude Nweze et al JMSCR Volume 2 Issue 10 October 2014 Page 2721 JMSCR Volume||2||Issue||10||Page 2720-2732||October-2014 2014 most of them enjoyed a sustained or improved relationship with their children (96.9%), their husbands (80.0%), and readily accepted assistance with housework (69.2%). The emotional trauma experienced by these women was primarily responsible for the majority (72.3%) of them refusing with bathing and grooming. Many of them stopped attending parties whilst many (60.0%) had either excluded or reduced the frequency of outdoor activities e.g. games. Sexual activities reduced among 41 out of 42 women of childbearing age and non-existent and the widows. Some women reduced the frequency of sex because they attributed the need for mastectomy to sex-related activities and therefore wanted to protect the other breast from disease. None had bilateral mastectomy. Peri-operative management showed that all women had skin care but only 22 (33.8%) were pre-operatively educated on the methods of improving their post-operative body image. Of those that were educated 13 (60.0%) had a positive perception of mastectomy. Counselling on improving post-mastectomy body image using special brassieres, breast prostheses and breast reconstruction should be given to all patients and their husbands especially in the pre-operative period. These supportive measures should be made available and affordable to patients. Nurses caring for mastectomy patients should explore with each patient her fears and concerns regarding mastectomy, identify interpersonal and extra personal resources that will aid the patient’s rehabilitation into the society.
Authors and Affiliations
Nwedu, Aaron B.
Keywords
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