EXPERIENCES OF MEN DIAGNOSED WITH PROSTATE CANCER IN THE FOUR NORTHERN REGIONS NAMIBIA.

Salomo Salomo*, Louise Pretoruis and Hans Justus Amukugo*

ABSTRACT

This article is aimed at describing the lived experiences of men diagnosed and living with prostate cancer in the four northern regions. A phenomenological, explorative and descriptive design was followed as the basis for conducting the study. The above mentioned research design was achieved through individual in-depth interviews conducted with men diagnosed and living with prostate cancer in the Intermediate Hospital that serves as a referral hospital for cancer patients from all the four northern regions. A sample of ten (10) men, diagnosed and living with prostate cancer, from a population comprised of men between the ages of 39-95 was selected using a nonprobability purposive sampling technique. This sample size was determined by saturation of data as reflected in repeating themes. Ethical clearance was received from an ethical review committee prior to the conduct of the study. Individual in-depth interviews and field notes were used as a method of data collection. During the interviews, participants were asked one question namely; “What is your experience after being diagnosed with prostate cancer?” Communication skills were employed to encourage participants to verbalize their lived experiences after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. A tape recorder was used to collect data and was transcribed verbatim. Data collected was analyzed in line with Tesch’s eight steps in the coding process. The researcher and an independent qualitative research expert carried out coding. Four themes emerged from the results of the study. It became evident that men diagnosed and living with prostate cancer had different experiences after being diagnosed that resulted in physical discomfort and psychological changes in their bodies. It was recommended that more emphasis should be put on supportive care towards men diagnosed with the disease. Individualized approaches to help men address their thoughts and feelings after being diagnosed with prostate cancer should be considered, as well as the incorporation of strategies that help men to be more effective at obtaining social support.

Keywords: Experiences, diagnosed and prostate cancer.