Background of the Study
Cancer patients often experience significant psychological distress due to the emotional, physical, and social impact of the disease. Psychological support is crucial in helping cancer patients cope with anxiety, depression, fear of death, and the challenges associated with treatment regimens (Williams et al., 2023). Nurses, as primary caregivers, play a vital role in providing psychological support, ensuring patients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their cancer journey (Mohammed et al., 2024). However, the extent to which nurses are equipped to provide psychological support varies, depending on their training, institutional support, and personal competencies.
Ogun State University Teaching Hospital (OGUTH) serves as a leading healthcare facility in southwestern Nigeria, providing comprehensive cancer care services to a large population. Despite the importance of psychological support for cancer patients, there is limited research on the awareness and implementation of psychological support strategies among nurses in Nigerian healthcare settings. This study will examine the awareness of nurses regarding the psychological needs of cancer patients and the extent to which they implement support strategies in their practice.
Statement of the Problem
Cancer patients require comprehensive care that addresses not only their physical health but also their emotional and psychological well-being. Despite the recognized need for psychological support, nurses may not always have the knowledge, skills, or resources to provide this care effectively. This study seeks to assess the awareness of nurses at Ogun State University Teaching Hospital regarding the psychological needs of cancer patients and the strategies they employ to provide emotional support.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the awareness of nurses regarding the psychological needs of cancer patients.
To evaluate the implementation of psychological support strategies for cancer patients by nurses at Ogun State University Teaching Hospital.
To identify barriers to the effective provision of psychological support for cancer patients.
Research Questions
What is the level of awareness among nurses regarding the psychological needs of cancer patients?
To what extent do nurses at Ogun State University Teaching Hospital implement psychological support strategies for cancer patients?
What are the barriers to the effective provision of psychological support for cancer patients by nurses?
Research Hypotheses
Nurses with specialized training in oncology nursing are more aware of the psychological needs of cancer patients.
The availability of psychological support resources is positively correlated with the implementation of psychological support strategies by nurses.
Nurses with more experience in cancer care are more likely to implement psychological support strategies for patients.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in oncology wards at Ogun State University Teaching Hospital. Limitations may include varying levels of experience among nurses, differing access to psychological support resources, and potential biases in self-reported implementation of psychological support strategies.
Definitions of Terms
Psychological Support: Emotional and mental health assistance provided to cancer patients, aimed at alleviating anxiety, depression, and fear associated with cancer treatment.
Awareness: The level of understanding and knowledge that nurses possess regarding the psychological needs of cancer patients.
Implementation: The active process of providing psychological support through counseling, emotional reassurance, and other supportive interventions.
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