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.

Citation

Aamir, M., Dubrow-Marshall, L., Dubrow-Marshall, R., Al Ameri, M., Ganesan, S., & Abbas Zaher, W. (2024). Psychosocial Needs of Breast Cancer Survivors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). #Journal not on list, 12(3), https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v12i3.5020

• 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
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 3
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v12i3.5020