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Coping strategies utilized by patients with cervical cancer: an explorative qualitative study at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

BMC Women's Health volume 25, Article number: 59 (2025) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women globally, particularly affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged populations such as those in Tanzania. Receiving a cervical cancer diagnosis induces considerable stress and elicits negative reactions. Coping mechanisms, ranging from adaptive to maladaptive, are employed to navigate this challenging condition and are influenced by factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and sociocultural background. Despite its significance, little is known about the coping strategies utilized by cervical cancer patients in Tanzania.

Methods

By employing purposeful sampling, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam from December 2022 to January 2023, aiming to explore coping strategies adopted by cervical cancer patients. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the gathered data.

Findings

The key themes that emerged included problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, social support, religious coping, and escapism.

Conclusions

Cervical cancer patients employ a diverse array of coping strategies to manage their condition. While many strategies observed were adaptive, some proved to be maladaptive, underscoring the importance of ongoing assessments to bolster adaptive coping mechanisms among this population.

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Background

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, but it disproportionately affects socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals [1]. In 2020 alone, 604,127 cases of cervical cancer were reported, with 342,000 resulting in fatalities, approximately 90% of which were recorded in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [2]. Recent data indicate that the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are notably elevated in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) [3]. Tanzania is among the SSA countries with the fourth highest incidence rate, reporting 59.1 new cases per 100,000 women. Alarmingly, the country’s cervical cancer mortality rate is also among the highest, with 42.7 deaths per 100,000 women [4]. The prevalence of HPV infection and the risk of persistent infection remain significant contributing factors to this burden, particularly among women in socioeconomically disadvantaged settings [5,6,7]. The stark reality of this high burden in LMICs is further compounded by limited access to public health services and inadequacies in the implementation of screening and treatment programs [8,9,10].

Cervical cancer causes significant changes in the lives of patients, impacting them across physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions [11, 12]. The socioeconomic ramifications are substantial, encompassing challenges such as loss of body image, femininity, sexual functioning, income, social discrimination, financial distress, and work-related obstacles [13,14,15]. Consequently, the quality of life (QOL) of survivors is significantly compromised, leading to enduring physical and psychological effects, family distress, financial strain, and disruptions to social and sexual well-being [16]. The role of resilience is paramount in shaping the QOL of women with cervical cancer, with its influence mediated through coping mechanisms [17, 18].

Receiving a diagnosis of cervical cancer is undeniably a stressful experience, often evoking a range of negative reactions. In response to this challenging situation, individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer should employ certain coping mechanisms, regardless of the stage of the disease [19]. The use of coping strategies can be beneficial for navigating this condition and its associated hurdles. Common coping strategies that may be utilized include problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, seeking social support, turning to religious beliefs, and engaging in meaning-making processes [20,21,22]. The coping strategies can be either maladaptive or adaptive, and cancer patients may employ both when confronting their condition [23]. While adaptive coping strategies tend to enhance QOL, the use of maladaptive coping strategies can diminish QOL [18, 24]. Nonetheless, research indicates that coping strategies and psychological adaptation vary across racial and socioeconomic levels, and the relationships between coping resources and adaptation can differ among sociocultural groups [25,26,27]. Despite this, there remains a dearth of understanding regarding the coping strategies employed by cervical cancer patients in Tanzania. Hence, this study was undertaken to explore the coping mechanisms utilized by cervical cancer patients at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Materials and methods

Study design and setting

Coping strategies utilized by cervical cancer patients at the ORCI in Dar es Salaam were explored through a qualitative descriptive study design, an approach that facilitates an in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences, as proposed by Doyle et al. [28]. Qualitative descriptive research endeavours to comprehend experiences, events, and interactions related to a phenomenon from the perspective of those most intimately involved [29]. Since the aim of this study was to explore coping strategies employed by cervical cancer patients, a qualitative descriptive design was particularly relevant.

The ORCI serves as a national referral hospital and a prominent centre for cancer treatment, catering to approximately 5,500 new patients annually. This institute attends to patients from all corners of the country, with cervical cancer patients undergoing treatment constituting approximately 39% of all cancer patients managed. The services provided include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, complaint therapy (an approach in which individuals are encouraged to express and explore their complaints to help them process their emotions and identify underlying issues), palliative care, and additional supportive services. As a pivotal hub, the institute plays a crucial role in nationwide efforts related to cancer registry, early detection, prevention, standard treatment, and palliative care in the country.

Study population and eligibility criteria

The study population comprised women who were diagnosed with cervical cancer at the ORCI. The inclusion criterion for participants was that they had been diagnosed with cervical cancer for a minimum of one year. Critically ill and cognitively impaired patients were excluded from the study because they could not comfortably participate in the in-depth interviews due to their conditions.

Sampling procedure and sample size

We employed a purposeful sampling technique to recruit participants for the study. Patient records were reviewed at the registry point to identify individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer. Among those who met the inclusion criteria, cervical cancer patients who were capable and willing to articulate their coping mechanisms in adapting to living with the disease were selected. Sample size determination followed the principle of saturation, as proposed by Malterud et al. [30], with a total of 12 participants eventually interviewed.

Data collection tool

We utilized a semistructured interview guide to gather information from the study participants. The tool was developed based on literature review on coping mechanisms utilized by cervical cancer patients and was adjusted to align with the specific objectives of the study while also addressing the emerging need for additional information as data collection progressed. Initially developed in English, the guide was later translated into Kiswahili, the national and most commonly spoken language in Tanzania, to facilitate seamless communication between researchers and participants. To ensure the relevancy and clarity of the questions, the tool underwent pretesting among a small group of cervical cancer patients. Additionally, a separate sheet was used to gather participants’ sociodemographic and background information.

Data collection procedure

The interviews took place between December 2022 and January 2023 and were facilitated by two trained research assistants. Prior to data collection, a two-day training session was conducted to familiarize the research assistants with the data collection procedures at the site. Rooms that provided privacy were utilized to ensure the smoothness of the data collection process and the comfort of the study participants. Each question posed during the interviews was followed by a probe to elicit additional information or clarify responses from participants. A digital audio recorder was used to capture participants’ information, while field notes were taken to document nonverbal cues and other pertinent details. On average, interviews lasted between 35 and 50 min.

Data analysis

Data analysis commenced immediately following the completion of the first interview [31]. All the data were meticulously reviewed, transcribed verbatim, and subsequently translated into English [32]. Thematic analysis, as described by Braun and Clarke, was employed to analyse the data [33]. The authors performed iterative reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of the data and to become familiar with it. Transcripts and observation notes were systematically examined to identify meaning and enhance comprehension of the coping strategies employed by cervical cancer patients in the context of their illness. Subsequently, meaning units were identified and condensed to form codes. Patterns in the text corresponding to the preconceived categories derived from the study objectives were highlighted using different colours. Based on their similarities and differences, codes were grouped into categories reflecting the obvious meaning of a text, and similar categories were organized into themes reflecting the underlying meaning of a text. Throughout the analysis, reference was made to the audio data in its entirety when a deeper understanding of the meaning units, codes, categories, and themes was needed. Discussions among the authors were held at each step of the analysis, with necessary modifications made based on mutual agreement.

Findings

Sociodemographic characteristics

This study involved a total of 12 participants, with a mean (SD) age of 53.3 (14.5) years. The majority (9) of participants had stage II cervical cancer diagnoses, half were 31 to 50 years old, and many (9) had lived with cervical cancer for two years. Four (4) participants were single, while the other 4 were divorced. The majority (10) identified as Christians. In terms of education and employment, 10 participants had a primary education, and 8 were self-employed. All participants were receiving curative treatment, with 10 concurrently receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. Table 1 summarizes the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants.

Table 1 Sociodemographic and cancer-related characteristics of study participants
Full size table

Themes identified

This study revealed five overarching themes regarding the coping strategies employed by women with cervical cancer. These themes encompassed problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, social support, religious coping, and escapism, as outlined in Table 2. The themes emerged from an analysis of various categories of coping strategies derived from codes. Table 2 provides a summary representation, including selected codes and categories.

Table 2 Themes identified
Full size table

Problem-focused coping

This theme consisted of several categories, including adherence to medical treatment, seeking medical advice, and seeking medical treatment. The participants emphasized the pivotal role of healthcare providers in supporting and assisting them in navigating their health circumstances. Healthcare providers offered valuable insights and information about cervical cancer, dispelling any misconceptions the participants harboured. The professional support provided by healthcare providers greatly comforted women, fostering a sense of hope and motivation towards their recovery, as reported by one participant:

“Furthermore, health workers here I can say they are playing a vital role to help us cope with the situation we had because they always comfort us by giving correct information regarding the illness and ruling out any negative misconceptions. Additionally, the services they offer to us are the ones that make us believe also that we will recover and thus we cope with the illness we have”. (Participant No. 2)

The significance of professional support extended beyond addressing medical needs; it was also highly valued by women due to the compassionate manner in which they were treated. Women expressed gratitude for the supportive and encouraging communication style adopted by healthcare providers. This approach not only facilitated their understanding of medical information but also alleviated excessive worry about their condition, as stated by a participant:

“Additionally, the health workers have been very helpful to me because they speak well to me, they give me words of comfort and they have encouraged me; this helps me to get rid of thinking too much about the condition.” (Participant No. 10).

Emotion-focused coping

The women in this study employed a range of emotion-focused coping strategies to navigate their experiences with cervical cancer. These strategies included acceptance of the condition, normalization, positive reappraisal, and self-soothing. The utilization of each coping strategy was influenced by the individual’s perception of their condition and their perceived ability to cope with it effectively.

Many participants in this study embraced acceptance as a coping strategy, primarily driven by the realization that there was little they could do to alter their situation. The observation of the experiences of other patients with the same condition played a significant role in fostering this acceptance. Witnessing instances where individuals with cervical cancer did not succumb to the disease but to other ailments led participants to contemplate the possibility of a similar outcome for themselves. Embracing acceptance served as a mechanism for participants to alleviate distressing thoughts surrounding their condition. One participant articulated this sentiment:

“I have accepted the challenge (having cervical cancer) and I think it is a normal disease because many have died and they have died not because they had this problem, no, they have died of other diseases and I thought that I will die but I may not die of cancer maybe of another disease”. (Participant No. 3)

Participants in the study also utilized normalization of the situation as an emotion-focused coping strategy, allowing them to continue with their daily activities. By perceiving cervical cancer as a common ailment, individuals were able to mitigate their fear of the condition. Drawing parallels between cervical cancer and other prevalent illnesses such as malaria and urinary tract infections, as well as fatal accidents, instilled optimism regarding their health outcomes and facilitated a return to normalcy. One participant described their approach to confronting the condition as follows:

“I am facing this disease (cervical cancer), as I told you. I consider this disease just like malaria or just like any other disease that spreads… So here I have considered it as just like other diseases that will come to the body and once you get the treatment it will pass and this (cervical cancer) I have considered it passing. … I mean, mentally, until now, I cannot keep this in my mind, if it gives me a problem and I think that I have cancer… no. I will just do my business. As I told you, I have carried it like I have malaria or UTI (urinary tract infection), and this is what I have carried. I will just do my business as I do, but I will just be careful in the future. I am not truly afraid, that is, in my head, I have no fear about this disease”. (Participant No. 10)

Normalization was emphasized by a participant who utilized this strategy as a means to divert attention from their condition and maintain engagement in daily activities:

“When I was told about having cervical cancer, I just thought that I would be normal. I continued doing my agricultural work as usual. … so, I did not pay much attention to it and continued with my activities as usual.” (Participant No. 7).

Another emotion-focused coping strategy participants employed was positive reappraisal, characterized by maintaining optimism regarding their condition. This approach stemmed from the belief that as long as they were alive, there remained a possibility of improvement and return to normalcy. Positive reappraisal served as a countermeasure to the notion that the disease was incurable and the fear it evoked. One participant elaborated on this perspective:

“At first, before this disease, I thought it was a very strange disease, and I knew that if you got sick, you cannot recover, I was very afraid of it. However, the day I was told I was suffering from cancer, I was not surprised because I found myself not even thinking much about it. The thing that inspires me is life; I believe that as long as I continue to breathe, everything will be fine, and I will return home. Sometimes I tell myself that you are fine and do not worry”. (Participant No. 6)

Self-soothing was another emotion-focused coping strategy utilized by participants to address their condition. Participants employed self-soothing techniques, particularly when they felt overwhelmed by thoughts about their condition and perceived a sense of helplessness. For many, crying served as a cathartic experience, allowing them to release pent-up emotions and process their feelings rather than suppressing them internally. One participant described their experience with self-soothing as follows:

“That is, for example, when I have a lot of thoughts like at home, I was thinking a lot and I just find myself crying and tears falling, so I could not use any method (coping)”. (Participant No. 2)

Social support

Participants in this study actively sought social support as a means of coping with cervical cancer. They engaged in various forms of seeking help, including reaching out to individuals with whom they could discuss their condition openly. Additionally, participants sought peer support by sharing information about their condition with other patients, fostering a sense of solidarity and understanding. They also found solace in conversing with individuals who had successfully recovered from the same condition, drawing strength from their experiences. Furthermore, participants leaned on the support of their family members, finding comfort and reassurance in their presence.

Participants reiterated peer support as an important source of encouragement and comfort amid the challenges they faced due to their condition. They highlighted how peer support facilitated treatment adherence, fostered optimism for recovery, and provided spiritual support through mutual assistance, as reported by one of the participants:

“Sometimes I sit with my fellow patients, and we tell each other words of comfort that we will recover, and we tell each other to pay attention to the use of medicine and the instructions given to us by our specialists”. (Participant No. 5)

Patients who had successfully recovered from cervical cancer and those who had undergone prolonged treatment served as a source of inspiration for the participants in this study. Regular visits from these individuals and their role modelling greatly influenced cervical cancer patients in many aspects. The experiences they shared regarding cervical cancer and its treatment were very helpful to participants in coping with their condition. For instance, the testimony of those who recovered was crucial in instilling hope for recovery among participants, as verbalized by one of them:

“Sometimes there are groups of people who have recovered from this disease come to visit us and talk to us; they tell us how they struggled, but at the end of the day, they recovered completely; this helps us a lot to have faith that we will also recover”. (Participant No. 6)

Another crucial social aspect that aided participants in navigating life with cervical cancer was the role played by their family members. Family members were an important source of comfort and encouragement during the course of the disease. Their acceptance, engagement in household activities, presence during moments of sorrow, and hospital visits were pivotal in fostering a sense of well-being and alleviating excessive concern about their condition, as validated by the following participant’s statement:

“My sisters, brothers, and my children always give me comfort when I’m sad, as the way I talk with them on the phone, they truly comfort and encourage me. Additionally, they sometimes come to visit me and check on my health progress; I definitely get a lot of comfort, and this always relieves me from thinking too much about the disease I am facing”. (Participant No. 10)

Religious coping

Participants in this study frequently turned to religious coping mechanisms, finding solace and strength through their faith in God. They entrusted their circumstances to greater power, believing that God held the ultimate authority over their destinies. Engaging in various religious practices, such as prayer, seeking divine intervention, listening to spiritual teachings, placing faith in divine healing, and worshipping, was common among them. In addition to receiving visits from religious leaders, participants sought solace by attending religious gatherings, such as church services, and immersing themselves in religious literature to connect with the divine, as reported by one participant:

“I am asking God to help me take medicine and get well. Until now, I believe God has helped me since I started to get sick. I always pray and ask God to help me recover completely and return home to my family and continue my activities. … Before coming here, I also went to church and told the pastor to pray for me. While we are here, servants of God pass by to pray for us, and they comfort us a lot with God’s words. They always encourage us not to give up hope, to believe in God’s healing, and not to stop praying every day. I do my best, as they set conditions for me and I implement them”. (Participant No. 5)

One participant highlighted that faith in God or religion served as a profound source of encouragement, hope, peace, and comfort:

“The word of God comforts me a lot, listening to the word of God I find peace in my heart. I am asking God to deliver me from this disease and believe that he will heal me and that I will recover completely. I have not thought to believe that I have that disease.” (Participant No. 6).

Escapism

This coping strategy encompassed the use of self-distraction, avoidance, and substance use, all of which were employed to avoid paying attention to the disease and to eliminate associated thoughts. These strategies were applied to alleviate the psychological disturbance associated with the condition.

The use of self-distraction was reported through the application of various techniques, such as relaxing (resting), taking a walk, interacting with other people, watching television, listening to music and the word of God, playing games, and enjoying the sea breeze at the beach. Gadgets such as mobile phones were used to achieve self-distraction, as reported by one participant:

“Sometimes when I’m overwhelmed with negative thoughts concerning my illness, I just listen to music, I open my phone, I listen to religious songs, you find that I fall asleep, and when I wake up, I continue with other things”. (Participant No. 3)

Avoidance was reported as another means of coping with cervical cancer to avoid distressing thoughts about the disease, as stated by one participant:

“I am trying to get rid of the thought that I am sick when I am at home, and when I was at home, this was helping me continue with some of my activities. (Participant No. 6)

Moreover, substance use was initially used as a coping mechanism by one participant to cope with the diagnosis of cervical cancer. This occurred early in the course of the disease when the patient was diagnosed with the condition. The participant took alcohol intentionally to eliminate disturbing thoughts that crowded her. After seeking medical assistance, alcohol was no longer used as a coping mechanism, as reported by one participant:

“However, before I started the treatment, when I was at home, I had a lot of thoughts because I was so sick that I wanted to drink alcohol to take my mind off it. Eee…. I tried to drink alcohol to reduce my thoughts because I had a lot of thoughts in my head, and when I came here for treatment, I completely stopped thinking about drinking alcohol.” (Participant No. 10).

Discussion

This study aimed to explore the coping strategies employed by women diagnosed with cervical cancer to cope with their condition. The findings revealed distinct categories of coping strategies, which culminated in five overarching themes aligning with common coping mechanisms: problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, social support, religious coping, and escapism. These coping strategies included seeking professional support, acceptance, normalization, positive reappraisal, self-distraction, seeking external support, practicing or exercising religious faith, self-soothing, avoidance, and substance use. These findings indicate the diverse array of coping mechanisms utilized by women with cervical cancer amid the challenges they face due to their condition. Moreover, the resemblance of these coping strategies to those identified in prior studies conducted in similar settings suggests the universality of coping mechanisms among cervical cancer patients in comparable socioeconomic contexts [19]. The identification of various coping strategies underscores the need for an interdisciplinary approach involving both health and psychosocial professionals to enhance the psychosocial adjustment of women living with cervical cancer [21, 34].

In the present study, patients highlighted the pivotal role of healthcare providers in helping them confront their health challenges by providing valuable information about cervical cancer and dispelling any misconceptions. The professional support received from healthcare providers was vital in addressing the medical needs of survivors. Previous studies have indicated that patients who adopt problem-focused coping strategies are more inclined to utilize the information provided by healthcare providers, leading to beneficial outcomes such as reducing their risk of persistent HPV infection and disease progression [5, 7]. In contrast, women with cervical cancer in Ethiopia expressed dissatisfaction with healthcare professionals who could not explain all aspects of their illness, contributing to challenges in adjusting to their situation [34]. Effective and compassionate communication with health professionals is recognized as a fundamental element of cancer care [35]. Therefore, the role of healthcare providers in supporting women in coping with cervical cancer and consequently improving their QOL cannot be overemphasized [22, 36].

In this study, women utilized acceptance of the condition, normalization, positive reappraisal, and self-soothing as emotion-focused coping strategies to address their situation. This suggests that women with cervical cancer may employ a range of emotion-focused coping mechanisms in dealing with their diagnosis. Previous studies conducted in both low- and high-income settings have also highlighted the utilization of these coping strategies by cervical cancer patients [22, 37,38,39]. These coping mechanisms are considered adaptive because they help an individual confront the situation and address it effectively [40,41,42]. Therefore, interventions that enhance adaptive coping, such as social support, need to be fostered among women with cervical cancer [20].

The participants in this study utilized social support as a coping mechanism for dealing with cervical cancer by seeking assistance from others regarding their condition, engaging in peer support, conversing with patients who had recovered, and maintaining close ties with family members. This finding underscores the significance of social support not only for women with cervical cancer but also for individuals facing other types of cancer, as supported by numerous studies conducted in various countries [19, 43, 44]. Family members, religious institutions, medical personnel, fellow patients, and cancer survivors are all recognized as valuable sources of social support [19]. Robust social support, regarded as a critical resource, is predictive of high QOL, while inadequate social support is associated with diminished QOL among cervical cancer patients [18, 22, 45]. Therefore, stakeholders involved in the care of women with cervical cancer should continuously endeavour to ensure the availability of established social support networks within the country to assist women in coping with their condition and enhancing their overall well-being [20].

In the present study, religious faith emerged as a significant factor in helping women cope with living with cervical cancer. Survivors reported engaging in praying to God, listening to God’s word, believing in God for healing, and participating in worship activities. For these individuals, God or religion served as a vital source of encouragement, hope, and comfort during their journey with cervical cancer. This underscores the profound importance of religious faith in assisting women with cervical cancer in coping with their circumstances. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have highlighted the prevalence of religious faith among cervical cancer patients and its positive impact on their spiritual well-being, which in turn is linked to better QOL outcomes [19, 22, 45]. Moreover, a recent study demonstrated a significant increase in coping abilities among gynecological patients following spiritual intervention [46]. Therefore, the spiritual needs of patients with cervical cancer must be thoroughly explored and addressed to facilitate their adaptability to their condition. Healthcare providers and support networks should recognize and integrate spiritual support as a crucial component of holistic care for women with cervical cancer.

Self-distraction, self-soothing, avoidance, and substance use were also utilized as coping strategies by women in dealing with cervical cancer. However, substance use, particularly alcohol, ceased following an encounter with medical personnel. These coping mechanisms are considered maladaptive because they do not effectively assist individuals in coping with the condition [40,41,42]. Notably, alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of cancer recurrence and mortality in this group [47]. This suggests that cervical cancer patients who lack sufficient information about their condition may resort to maladaptive coping as they struggle to live with their condition. Maladaptive coping has been observed in patients with gynecological cancer, including cervical cancer [38, 48]. To mitigate such behaviours, it is crucial to enhance health education efforts, which can improve knowledge, perceptions, and self-efficacy among women affected by cervical cancer [49].

This qualitative study exploring coping strategies among women with cervical cancer is one of the few conducted in low-income settings. One of the limitations of this study was the sole use of in-depth interviews for data collection. Triangulating findings with other techniques, such as focus group discussion, could have provided richer insights. Additionally, variations in participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, including a substantial number diagnosed within two years, those identified as Christians, and individuals with primary-level education attainment, could constrain the transferability of the findings. Consequently, the findings may primarily reflect the coping strategies employed by women diagnosed with cervical cancer within a two-year timeframe who adhere to the Christian faith and who possess a lower level of education. Nevertheless, the findings of this study highlight the coping mechanisms employed by women confronting cervical cancer in low-income settings, providing valuable guidance for stakeholders in designing supportive measures tailored to the needs of these women.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the women with cervical cancer in this study employed a range of coping strategies to navigate life with the disease. These strategies included seeking medical advice and treatment, adhering to prescribed medical regimens, accepting their condition, engaging in positive reappraisal, normalizing their experiences, self-distraction, self-soothing, avoidance, seeking support from peers, individuals who had recovered, and family members, as well as resorting to alcohol consumption to cope. While many of these coping mechanisms were beneficial, some were maladaptive, such as self-distraction, avoidance, and alcohol use. Continued assessment of coping strategies utilized by women with cervical cancer is crucial for identifying maladaptive coping strategies and providing targeted interventions.

Data availability

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article and its supplementary information files.

Abbreviations

HPV:

Human papillomavirus

LMIC:

Low–and middle–income countries

MUHAS:

Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences

ORCI:

Ocean Road Cancer Institute

QOL:

Quality of life

SSA:

Sub–Saharan Africa

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Ocean Road Cancer Institute for permitting us to conduct this study. We specifically appreciate the time and valuable information provided by patients with cervical cancer at the institute that made this study successful.

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Road, P. O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Joel Seme Ambikile

  2. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Road, P. O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Emanueli Amosi Msengi, Emmanuel Z. Chona & Rashid A. Gosse

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Contributions

EAM and JSA conceptualized the study, EAM, EZC, and RAG collected data, transcribed and translated data, performed analysis and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. JSA guided the data collection and analysis process and refined the findings and final draft of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Joel Seme Ambikile.

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Ethics approval and consent to participate

We obtained ethical approval for this study from the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) Research and Ethics Committee, with Ref. No. DA.282/298/01.C/1466. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the ORCI Administration with Ref. No. 10/VOL.XXI111-B. Informed consent was obtained from all study participants, including the illiterate participants, whose informed consent was obtained from their legal representatives. The participants were informed of their role in the study, and the expectations were clarified. For anonymity, the participants were identified by numbers, and confidentiality was strictly maintained. The audio-recorded interview transcripts and field notes were kept in a safe place and were destroyed after the completion of the study. Participation was fully voluntary, and the participants were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time if they wished to do so for any reason and that this decision would not affect their entitlement.

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Not applicable.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Ambikile, J.S., Msengi, E.A., Chona, E.Z. et al. Coping strategies utilized by patients with cervical cancer: an explorative qualitative study at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. BMC Women's Health 25, 59 (2025). https://doiorg.publicaciones.saludcastillayleon.es/10.1186/s12905-024-03536-8

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BMC Women's Health

ISSN: 1472-6874

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