Quality of life experiences of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a descriptive qualitative study from Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by OmBimo

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is central to breast cancer care, integrating physical, emotional, and social well-being. Although survival has improved, chemotherapy adverse effects continue to erode patients’ quality of life, yet Ethiopia—especially Tigray—has limited HRQoL evidence. This descriptive qualitative study explored HRQoL among women receiving chemotherapy at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to identify key physical, emotional, and social impacts.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Health-related quality of life in breast cancer care

Chemotherapy impacts and evidence gap in Ethiopia

Study design and methods

Setting and participants

Data collection and analysis

Findings

Physical limitations

Emotional well-being and counseling

Social isolation and financial burden

Common chemotherapy side effects

Implications

[www. nature.com/scientificreports](www. nature.com/scientificreports) OPEN Quality of life experiences of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a descriptive qualitative study from Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia Desta Hailu Aregawi1,5􀀍, Haftu Berhe Gebru1,5, Hailemariam Berhe Kahsay1,5, Kalayu Kidanu Berhe2,5, Yibrah Berhe3,5, SenaitAbrha4,5 & Gerezgiher BuruhAbera1,5 Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a key aspect of breast cancer care, encompassing patients’physical, emotional, and social well-being. Although survival rates have improved, chemotherapy’sadverse effects continue to compromise quality of life. In Ethiopia, particularly inTigray, limited data exist on HRQoL among breast cancer patients. This study explored the HRQoL of women undergoing chemotherapy atAyder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted from February to March 2020 among women receiving chemotherapy for at least six months. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with eighteen purposively selected participants until data saturation was reached. Interviews were conducted inTigrigna, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and reviewed for accuracy. Thematic content analysis using Open Code software identified key themes through collaborative coding and consensus. The study found significant physical limitations, with participants unable to engage in strenuous activities or walk long distances. Emotional well-being was deeply affected, with many expressing fear and distress about their prognosis. However, emotional stability improved with counseling and healthcare support. Social isolation was common, exacerbated by the financial burden of treatment. Participants also reported common chemotherapy side effects, including hair loss, fatigue, menstrual disturbances, and loss of appetite. Breast cancer patients inTigray experience substantial declines in HRQoL due to treatment side effects, emotional strain, and financial hardship. Strengthening psychosocial support, counseling, and financial aid is vital to enhance coping, reduce anxiety, and improve overall quality of life. Keywords Breast cancer, Qualitative, Symptom experience, Emotional wellbeing, Treatment impact Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is defined as the subjective perception of how a disease and its treatment impact a patient’s health status1. It reflects an individual’s view of their position in life, considering the culture and value systems in which they live, and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. This definition acknowledges that quality of life is a subjective concept, shaped by an individual’s personal judgment2. Over the past decade, quality of life (QOL) has become a key outcome measure in the treatment of cancer patients. It is a multidimensional construct that encompasses perceptions of both the positive and negative aspects of physical, emotional, social, and cognitive functions. Additionally, it includes the negative effects of 1Department of Maternal and Reproductive Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia. 2Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia. 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia. 4Department of Social science, College of Health Sciences and Humanities, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia. 5Desta Hailu Aregawi, Haftu Berhe Gebru, Hailemariam Berhe Kahsay, Gerezgiher Buruh Abera, Kalayu Kidanu Berhe, Yibrah Berhe and SenaitAbrha contributed equally to this work. 􀀍 email: [destahailu19@gmail.com](destahailu19@gmail.com) somatic discomfort and other symptoms caused by the disease or its treatment3.It is considered as one of the main determinants of treatment success in modern oncology4,5. Quality of life has become a widely accepted measur

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the study?

To explore the health-related quality of life of women undergoing chemotherapy at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

How was data collected and analyzed?

The study used semi-structured, in-depth interviews with eighteen purposively selected participants, then applied thematic content analysis with Open Code until data saturation.

Which factors were most associated with reduced HRQoL?

Physical limitations, fear and distress affecting emotional well-being, social isolation worsened by the financial burden of treatment, and common chemotherapy side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, menstrual disturbances, and appetite loss.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by OmBimo