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Volume 18, Issue 4 (Iranian Journal of Breast Diseases 2026)
ijbd 2026, 18(4): 40-56 |
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Research code: 403022-SRC-1403
Ethics code: IR.DUMS.REC.1403.029
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Nazari Gooran S, Etedali H, Khalaf seyedi S S, Nabizadeh M, Bigdeli Shamloo M B. Explaining factors related to self-care from the perspective of women with breast cancer: A qualitative study. ijbd 2026; 18 (4) :40-56
URL: http://ijbd.ir/article-1-1216-en.html
URL: http://ijbd.ir/article-1-1216-en.html
Sajad Nazari Gooran1 
, Hooman Etedali1 , Sepideh sadat Khalaf seyedi2 , Mobina Nabizadeh2 , Marzieh Beigom Bigdeli Shamloo *3
, Hooman Etedali1 , Sepideh sadat Khalaf seyedi2 , Mobina Nabizadeh2 , Marzieh Beigom Bigdeli Shamloo *3
1- Student Research Committee, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
2- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing , Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
3- Paramedical School, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran ,m.bigdeli@sbmu.ac.ir
2- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing , Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
3- Paramedical School, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran ,
Abstract: (231 Views)
Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Self-care among these patients leads to self-management, improved quality of life, and reduced healthcare costs. This study aimed to investigate and explain the dimensions of self-care from the perspective of Iranian women with breast cancer.
Methods: A conventional qualitative content analysis was conducted. A total of 10 women with breast cancer referring to the oncology department of Imam Hassan Mojtaba Hospital in Dezful, Iran, were selected purposively with maximum diversity. Sampling continued until data saturation. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed manually using the Graneheim and Lundman approach.
Results: The average age of the participants was 43.4 years, and the majority of whom were married. A total of seven participants had undergone total mastectomy, and almost all had undergone chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy, except for one patient who had not received hormone therapy. The highest level of education among participants was a diploma, and the majority were housewives. Three main categories emerged: physical self-care and management of its complications (nutrition management, pain management, and physical complications), psycho-emotional self-care (cognitive-behavioral strategies, spiritual and calming resources), and social support (emotional support, instrumental and practical support, access to information, and the health system).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that self-care in women with breast cancer in Iran is a dynamic and multidimensional process that is shaped by three axes: "management of physical complications," "psycho-spiritual care," and "social support." Designing local, integrated, and family-centered interventions based on these dimensions can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Methods: A conventional qualitative content analysis was conducted. A total of 10 women with breast cancer referring to the oncology department of Imam Hassan Mojtaba Hospital in Dezful, Iran, were selected purposively with maximum diversity. Sampling continued until data saturation. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed manually using the Graneheim and Lundman approach.
Results: The average age of the participants was 43.4 years, and the majority of whom were married. A total of seven participants had undergone total mastectomy, and almost all had undergone chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy, except for one patient who had not received hormone therapy. The highest level of education among participants was a diploma, and the majority were housewives. Three main categories emerged: physical self-care and management of its complications (nutrition management, pain management, and physical complications), psycho-emotional self-care (cognitive-behavioral strategies, spiritual and calming resources), and social support (emotional support, instrumental and practical support, access to information, and the health system).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that self-care in women with breast cancer in Iran is a dynamic and multidimensional process that is shaped by three axes: "management of physical complications," "psycho-spiritual care," and "social support." Designing local, integrated, and family-centered interventions based on these dimensions can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation
Received: 2025/11/3 | Accepted: 2025/12/9 | Published: 2026/01/14
Received: 2025/11/3 | Accepted: 2025/12/9 | Published: 2026/01/14
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