Lived Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence Among Patients Diagnosed With Gynecological Cancers at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Intimate partner violence is becoming more common across all communities regardless of socioeconomic status, race or religion. Globally, it is estimated that the prevalence of intimate partner violence range from 23.2% in high-income countries and 24.6% in the Western Pacific region, 37% in the Eastern Mediterranean region and 37.7% in the South-East Asia region. The prevalence in Kenya is 49% much higher compared to the global average. Studies show that women undergoing management for gynecology cancer are more likely to experience intimate partner violence compared to the general population because cancer disease progression makes them more vulnerable since they may become more dependent on their intimate partners for care and support and this increases the risk of being abused. Despite this, little focus has been put on the long and short term effects of lived experiences of IPV among these patients and therefore integrated management of the effects that accompany IPV experience lags. Study Objective: The study aimed to explore the lived experiences of intimate partner violence among patients diagnosed with gynecology cancers at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: Descriptive phenomenological design was used to collect descriptive data from patients diagnosed with gynecological cancers who have experienced intimate partner violence. Participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique and their data was collected using an interview guide which was modified as per study objectives. In-depth interview was used to collect data on their lived experiences on intimate partner violence, interviews were audio-recorded using a Sony ICDPX333 digital voice recorder. The qualitative data were transcribed and short phrases equivalent to codes were created and later analyzed using six steps of thematic analysis with the aid of Nvivo software. Themes were elicited using an inductive process with the coding of data into themes and subthemes. Results: A total of 8 participants were interviewed by the researcher from the five units of gynecology units at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Patient characteristics associated with increased risk of IPV experiences were identified, the main findings was that the experiences of IPV (particularly current IPV) among patients diagnosed with gynecological cancers was associated with poorer cancer-related quality of life and health care outcomes. IPV experience may be associated with poor compliance to the management of the cancer disease and was significantly linked with having more than one comorbid physical, psychological and sociological effect. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that patients diagnosed with gynecological cancers are facing challenges brought about by their lived experiences of intimate partner violence, therefore stakeholders in the health sector should improve policies on routine screening and management of IPV in all cancer treatment units at the Kenyatta National Hospital.