Spousal Desertion and Coping Strategies among Ever-married Women with Breast Cancer in Kwara and Ogun States Nigeria

Emmanuel O. Amoo; Gbemisola W.  Samuel; Mofoluwake P.  Ajayi; Tolulope Allo; Olujide  Adekeye; Adebanke Olawole-Isaac

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2020.3538

Authors

Emmanuel O. Amoo Demography and Social Statistics, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Gbemisola W. Samuel Demography and Social Statistics, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Mofoluwake P. Ajayi Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Tolulope Allo Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Olujide Adekeye Department of Psychology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
Adebanke Olawole-Isaac Demography and Social Statistics, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2020.3538

Keywords:

Breast cancer, Coping strategy, Husband, Spousal desertion, Disrupted marriages, Women, Framework analysis, Positive social support theory

Abstract

AIM: The study examined the coping strategies among ever-married women with breast cancer in disrupted marriages (divorced, separated, or living-alone ever-married women) who also have limited access to social support.

METHODS: Data for the study were extracted from 2015 behavioral risk factors for breast and cervical cancers in two states of Nigeria. Respondents for the study were identified through three approaches: (1) Self-reported disclosure of breast cancer, (2) informant-leading approach, and (3) outpatients located in oncological specialized health facilities and herbal homes. Formal approval was sought from the management of selected health facilities and community leaders. The respondents also voluntarily shared their experiences after obtaining their informed consent. Textual data obtained from a total of nine breast cancer survivors and patients identified and interviewed were analyzed for this study, using framework and content analytic procedures. The results were presented as excerpts and in themes.

RESULTS: Results revealed two categories of respondents: (1) Breast cancer survivors/patients with husband and (2) those without husbands. Common perspectives were regrets, loss of intimacy, and determination to survive. Basic coping strategies identified are seeking medical support, resignation to fate, and involvement in religion activities. The study concludes that a partner’s support was a great yearning for survivors/patients.

CONCLUSION: The authors recommended counseling on partner’s assistance among spouses, especially during sicknesses and diseases. It is also important to raise awareness of the risk factors of breast cancer and the need for constant check-ups among women in the study locations, and by extension, other sub-Saharan African countries.

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