Psychosocial Needs of Breast Cancer Survivors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Aamir, Maria; Dubrow-Marshall, Linda; Dubrow-Marshall, Rod; Al Ameri, Mouza; Ganesan, Subhashini; Abbas Zaher, Walid

Abstract

Background: Despite the high prevalence of breast cancer, there is
limited understanding of the psychosocial needs of cancer survivors
in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods: A survey was conducted to assess the psychosocial needs
among 205 breast cancer survivors in the UAE and the association
of various socio-demographics and clinical characteristics with the
psychosocial needs were analysed.
Results: The informational needs were the highest (mean - 27.99 ±
11.02) among the study participants compared to other
psychosocial needs. Healthcare specialists were the most preferred
source of information for all the psychosocial needs. Individuals
currently receiving treatment (p-0.006) and who had longer
years of survival (p-0.006) had significantly higher informational
concerns. Social and financial concerns were significantly higher in
expats (p<0.001), individuals currently receiving treatment
(p<0.001) and individuals with longer years of survival (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The study shows that there are unmet psychosocial
needs among the breast cancer survivors in the UAE and the needs
differ based on demographic and clinical characteristics.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 3, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Mar 31, 2024
• Publication Date: Mar 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: May 20, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 20, 2024
• Journal: Medical Research Archives
• Electronic ISSN: 2375-1924
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 3
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v12i3.5020