Determining the Unmet Needs Among Breast Cancer Survivors: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

This study was conducted to characterize the unmet supportive care and factors contributing to theneeds among breast cancer survivors in Kuching, Sarawak.METHODSIt was an exploratory sequential mixed methods study.RESULTSIn the qualitative exploration phase, nine respondents comprising survivors, healthcare providers, andinformal caregivers were interviewed. The need for an additional category of “practical, social, and spiritual support,” was indicated in the interviews, which was incorporated into the Short Form 34-itemSupportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34). In the quantitative phase, a total of 259 survivors participated. Regression analysis revealed that shorter duration of survival and younger age were significantfactors contributing to greater overall unmet needs. Other significant contributing factors were latestage (Stages III and IV) cancer, undergoing active treatment, being employed, Malays and Sarawakindigenous groups, high education level, and age at diagnosis of