Cultural Aspects of Palliative Cancer Care in Iran
Journal Title: Palliative Medicine & Hospice Care – Open Journal - Year 2017, Vol 0, Issue 1
Abstract
Palliative care is a human need, which is essential for patients with chronic disorders such as cancer, and aims to prevent and relieve pain and improve the quality of life (QoL) of patients and their families. Since culture is an important factor in predicting health behavior, it can be effective in providing these services. Thus, this review study has been conducted to assess the cultural aspects of palliative care in Iran. The findings were classified and provided based on the definition of palliative care on three major topics including early diagnosis, during treatment and disease period, and finally death and later. In the beginning of diagnosis, the most important element of palliative care is informing the disease to the patient and family. Disclosure of the disease in Iran is not culturally possible. The most important cultural barrier is cancer stigma in Iran, which affects the related measures such as screening diagnosis. The most important challenge in the treatment is pain management, which overshadowed factors such as cultural beliefs. Despite the challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, which make the care difficult, the religious and spiritual context of Iranian people in the death and bereavement, as well as the strong family connections, are considered as a strong point that is helpful in the process of passing from the stage. According to the statement of the Union for International Cancer Control in 2008 based on “a better attitude toward cancer by 2020 and removing misconceptions about the disease”, the available cultural opportunities in the country can be considered as areas in need of strengthening. The negative attitudes and beliefs can be reformed by adopting strategies such as increasing the awareness of the community as the first strategy in changing the culture.
Authors and Affiliations
Leila Khanali Mojen
Keywords
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- EP ID EP560836
- DOI 10.17140/PMHCOJ-SE-1-110
- Views 135
- Downloads 0
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