Experiences of women with cancer living in the rural areas of Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the challenges of access to treatment and quality of life in female cancer survivors living in rural areas of Iran within the global pandemic context (COVID-19). Methods: We conducted a qualitative exploratory study where we recruited nine female-identifying individuals diagnosed with cancer, 23 family members, and five healthcare providers from a hospital affiliated with the Birjand University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflective thematic analysis. Results: The three themes constructed were lack of strength from fighting on two fronts (subthemes: (i) fear related to longevity and life span, (ii) disruption of emotional relationships and family functioning, (iii) loneliness and fear of the future, (iv) village culture and double whammy, and (v) isolation and rejection in a rural community); changes during treatment (subthemes: (i) confusion related to treatment and (ii) the hope found during treatment “bottlenecks”); and spiritual growth and clarifying values (subthemes: (i) patience and resilience and (ii) clarifying life values and opportunities when facing uncertainty about the future). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of further evaluating interventions to mitigate barriers to supportive care for female cancer survivors living in rural areas with low-resource contexts during the COVID-19 pandemic.