OBJECTIVES: This article aims to explain paediatric cancer parents' information behaviour related to the care of their child.
METHODS: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with fourteen Malaysian paediatric cancer parents and eight healthcare professionals who worked with paediatric cancer patients. Reflexivity and inductive approaches were used to interpret the data to identify meaningful themes and subthemes.
RESULTS: Three themes about how paediatric cancer parents interact with information emerged: Acquiring information, internalising information, and using information. Information may be actively sought or passively acquired. Cognitive and affective aspects influence how information is internalised into meaningful knowledge. Knowledge then leads to further action including further information gathering.
CONCLUSION: Paediatric cancer parents need health literacy support to meet their information needs. They require guidance in identifying and appraising suitable information resources. Development of suitable supporting materials is needed to facilitate parents' ability to comprehend information related to their child's cancer. Understanding parents' information behaviour could assist healthcare professionals in providing information support in the context of paediatric cancer.
METHODS: A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 15 stakeholders from diverse ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds. Participants, represented various religious groups and geographic areas. Their roles included local leaders, government officials, NGO workers, and community members, providing insights into how sociocultural factors influence disaster response and policy.
RESULTS: Religious beliefs serve as both a source of resilience and a potential barrier, shaping community attitudes toward disaster preparedness. Community cohesion, particularly through gotong-royong (mutual aid), plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources and support, though it often excludes marginalized groups. Gender roles significantly influence disaster response, with women taking on caregiving responsibilities yet remaining underrepresented in decision-making processes. Traditional knowledge remains valuable, particularly in rural communities, but faces challenges as younger generations increasingly rely on modern technologies.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive, gender-inclusive, and community-driven disaster management policies in Malaysia.Integrating sociocultural dimensions into formal frameworks can foster more adaptive and inclusive strategies. Enhancing community participation and gender inclusivity will be key to improving disaster resilience in Malaysia.
METHODS: This qualitative study examined the experiences of cancer patients with the CCTI program in Malaysia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 respondents, both CCTI recipients and non-applicants, from eight public hospitals. Data were anlaysed using the RE-AIM framework, focusing on the dimensions of reach, adoption, and implementation.
RESULTS: Patients' awareness of the CCTI varied, with recipients mostly informed through acquaintances, media, or healthcare providers. Non-recipients lacked awareness, with limited information provided by healthcare personnel. While the CCTI was perceived as valuable for alleviating financial burdens, particularly transportation costs, it did not appear to significantly influence treatment-seeking behaviours, as most patients expressed willingness to continue treatment even without financial aid. Implementation challenges included a burdensome application process requiring mandatory health screening, lack of clarity regarding procedures, and inadequate communication about claim approvals. Patients frequently encountered delays and confusion, exacerbated by insufficient support from healthcare providers. Additionally, many were unaware that transport incentives could be claimed for every hospital visit, further limiting the program's usefulness.
CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights critical gaps in the CCTI program's design and delivery, including inadequate communication strategies, complex administrative processes, and a lack of transparency. Addressing these challenges are essential to improve program reach and ensuring equitable access to CCTI. Policymakers should prioritise streamlining application process, enhancing information dissemination, and leveraging digital tools to improve patient experiences. Future studies should assess the program's long-term sustainability and impact on treatment adherence and outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of adopting patient-centred approaches in designing financial aid programs to enhance healthcare equity and access.
AIM: To reflect on the transcription, analysis, interpretation and translation of data in this cross-cultural study.
DISCUSSION: The findings of this study show how these nurses developed personally and professionally despite challenges, which enabled them to attain a western degree.
CONCLUSION: Some important aspects of cross-cultural research need to be considered when conducting studies and presenting their findings, as cultural values continue to affect society.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The discussion provided will assist novice researchers, nurse research and clinical practice and reviewers of scientific articles when conducting cross-cultural research.
METHOD: This is a retrospective cohort study. Data on medical background, previous DCF treatment and complications were obtained. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to measure factors related to various complications of DCF.
RESULTS: Ninety-eight patient records were retrieved. Of the 83 patients who were still alive, 75.9% (n = 63) had recurrent ulcers, 53.0% (n = 44) had undergone foot surgery and 45.8% (n = 38) had undergone amputation. Patients with a history of recurrent ulcers have the highest predilection to amputation (odds ratio: 8.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.8, 39.1).
DISCUSSION: In terms of DCF complications, foot ulcers are an independent predictor of recurrent foot ulcers, foot surgery and amputation. Regular foot assessment of patients with DCF to prevent ulcers is strongly recommended.
METHODS: We conducted one-on-one in-depth interviews with ARM and HD patients aged ≥ 11 years who had undergone surgery at four tertiary referral centers. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We analyzed transcripts for recurring themes, and data were collected until data saturation was reached. Three researchers independently coded the transcripts for major themes using thematic analysis approach.
RESULTS: We interviewed 16 participants (11 males) between October 2022 and April 2023. Ages ranged from 11 to 26 years. Five major themes emerged: (1) personal impact (subthemes: physical, emotional and mental health, social, school), (2) impact on family, (3) perceptions of their future (subthemes: relationships, career, state of health), (4) sources of support (subthemes: family, peers, partner), and (5) transition care (subthemes: concerns, expectations). Only females expressed concerns regarding future fertility.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the evolving problems faced by adolescents and young adults with ARM and HD, especially gender-specific concerns. Our findings can inform efforts to provide individualized care.