Learning Experiences of Malay Muslim Women Breast Cancer

Learning Experiences of Malay Muslim Women Breast Cancer Survivors at a Cancer Resource Center Mariana Mohd Yusoff Kan. Work Cancer Society Malaysia (T 3 -107) Disclosure of interest: None declared Kan. Work Cancer Society Malaysia

OBJECTIVES : v To understand the learning experiences at a Cancer Resource Center (CRC) from the perspective of Malay Muslim women breast cancer survivors. v To explore how the context of culture shaped their experiences with the CRC.

METHODOLOGY Study Design • Qualitative study • In–depth Interview Sampling technique • Purposive sampling- to locate information-rich subjects • Recommended by CRC Criteria of Selection • Diagnosed with breast cancer • Have visited and experienced with CRC in Hospital X. • Access to the researcher • Willing to participate and share experience

Location Data Collection Data Analysis • Hospital X. Why ? : • 1 st CRC in Malaysia • Oldest CRC • 1 st in MOH Hospital • Model for other CRC • Different setting/way to operate • In-depth interview • Probing techniques • Audio tape recorded • Transcribing verbatim • Constant comparative method

CRC Hospital X Ca. RE, UPM

FINDINGS/OUTCOMES CRC played a vital role as an effective learning platform towards improving the quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

Learning Experiences Need more information on cancer (Diagnosis, treatment/diet- to reduce anxiety and fear) 1. Motives to engaged in learning at CRC Share experience with others: - Nurses - Peer survivors To socialize (similar/share experience)

Coping strategies Learning contents Cancer disease Cancer treatment & side effect Cancer recurrence Food/Diet

Utilizing Print Media : Brochures/ Books Utilizing internet Peers/fellow patients/ survivors Learning strategies CRC Nurses CRC education activities

Experience using CRC Benefits: q Gained knowledge & information q Get Psychological support q Shared feelings, problems & experience q A place to socialize/ connect with others/friends/peers. q A second HOME : “I feel like I am at home. Comfortable and calm. We can talk, drink and eat together”. Challenges : v Internal : (transportation/time) v External : Eg closed/parking, queue number

Disease Context How does Malaysian context shaped their experience with the CRC? . Learning strategies or preference context Culture context Cancer is a q Depend on doctors q Collectivist and stressful and health relationship oriented. challenging professionals as main disease : need to source of learning and q Preferred learning via share fears/ not CRC. talking, sharing problems/ feelings experience & socialized with others. q Hospital is not a with others. platform for learning but to get treatment. q Learn better via their social network : nurses/ q Self directed, nonpeers/ volunteers from formal and experiential the support group. learning

Recommendations q The establishment of new CRC needs to look & consider the culture context and the organizational factors. q The health care providers need to access patient’s profile and their information need before implement any intervention activities. q CRC need to tailor the activities not only focus on cognitive but also incorporate affective component (eg coping skills). q Support the establishment of support group eg Kanwork- The volunteers as the health promoters/agent of change. q CRC should be equip with latest, enough and appropriate cancer education materials. q CRC need to have well trained nurse and volunteers. q The administration/policy makers needs to promote the existing CRC and fully support the establishment of new CRC.

Thank You Dr. Mariana Mohd Yusoff : +6019 -2349954 marianamohdyusoff@gmail. com www. kanwork. org | Blog: kanwork. blogspot. com +603 8940 8672 | FB: Persatuan Kan. Work | IG: kanwork_official