Research Article
The Perceptions of Traditional Healers Regarding Cancers in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Aminu Mohammed*,
Bezabih Amsalu,
Betelhem Mengist,
Asma Bireda,
Mickiale Hailu
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
42-49
Received:
4 January 2024
Accepted:
31 July 2024
Published:
15 August 2024
Abstract: Background: Many cancer patients in low-income countries seek care from traditional healers and use traditional medicines for cancer treatment. However, little is known about the perceptions and influence of traditional healers and the treatment decisions of cancer patients. Thus, we aimed to explore the perceptions of traditional healers regarding cancer, which can help in preventive interventions, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality from cancer. Methods: This ethnographic study was conducted between April and August 2023 in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. Purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling techniques were used to sample participants. In-depth interviews were conducted individually at participants’ homes in quiet places, and in the absence of respondents, between 45 and 55 minutes, using a semi-structured tool aided by a voice recorder and field notes. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim within a week, and thematic qualitative analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes. Results: Seven major themes were identified in traditional healers’ perceptions of cancer: (i) respondents’ perception of cancer; (ii) perceived causes of cancer; (iii) perceived signs of cancer; (iv) perceived transmission of cancer; (v) respondents’ perception of cancer detection; (vi) respondents' perception of cancer treatment; and (vii) respondents’ perception of ‘no modern cure for cancer. Conclusion: Traditional healers have limitations on their perception of cancer, including what cancer it is, its causes, signs, identification, and treatments. Thus, traditional healers need to be provided training and behavioral-changing interventions about cancer in order to improve cancer interventions.
Abstract: Background: Many cancer patients in low-income countries seek care from traditional healers and use traditional medicines for cancer treatment. However, little is known about the perceptions and influence of traditional healers and the treatment decisions of cancer patients. Thus, we aimed to explore the perceptions of traditional healers regarding...
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Research Article
Reigniting the Flame: Moving from Burnout Toward Resiliency at an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
50-55
Received:
29 July 2024
Accepted:
20 August 2024
Published:
6 September 2024
Abstract: Introduction: Resilience and burnout are current healthcare buzzwords. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to create programming to improve healthcare worker resilience while minimizing burnout symptoms in the workplace environment have increased exponentially. Informal, grassroots effort gave rise to a robust resiliency committee and the development of a Division of Employee Resiliency entirely dedicated to building employee resilience and preventing burnout at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, in Buffalo, NY. Methods: Qualitative data was obtained through conversations with multidisciplinary staff members to understand organizational strengths and growth areas. The Mini-Z 2.0 survey was offered to all employees to understand the experience of joy at work, supportive environment, and pace and stress. Results: Qualitative findings indicated that while serving patients and focusing on the mission are consistently identified strengths, concerns about workload, recognition, work relationships, fairness, autonomy, and values conflicts exist. Quantitatively, scores on the Mini-Z suggests that employees do not experience a joyful workplace, working in a under supportive environments, do not have manageable stress and pace, and experience burnout symptoms. Discussion: A strategic approach combines individual interventions with programmatic and organizational initiatives designed to support systemic change. As burnout and moral distress remain high due to evolving stressors and challenges, tracking burnout, and implementing system-level change, based upon quantitative data and qualitative accounts, may improve workplace culture, promote individual resilience, and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract: Introduction: Resilience and burnout are current healthcare buzzwords. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to create programming to improve healthcare worker resilience while minimizing burnout symptoms in the workplace environment have increased exponentially. Informal, grassroots effort gave rise to a robust resiliency committee and the...
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,
Kathryn Glaser
