Influence of Psychosocial Interventions in Enhancing Cancer Patients' Psychological Well-Being in Oncology Clinics in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Cancer patients undergo immense physical, emotional, and psychological distress that influences overall well-being. Without adequate psychosocial interventions, their mental health deteriorates further, complicating treatment. Despite advancements in medical care, a gap exists in understanding and addressing cancer patients' psychosocial needs in many clinics. Psychosocial interventions are critical for coping, recovery, and healing. This study evaluated how psychosocial interventions influence the psychological well-being of cancer patients at oncology clinics in Meru County, Kenya. The objectives were to assess the influence of individual counselling, family counselling, support groups, and psycho- education on the psychological well-being of cancer patients and assess the moderating effect of financial constraints. Guided by person-centered and social cognitive theories, the study utilized a convergent survey research design. This study was conducted at oncology clinics in Meru County, Kenya. It adopted systematic and random sampling and purposive sampling techniques to select participants from a target population of 2580 cancer patients, 2580 caregivers, and 53 clinicians, respectively. Of these, 335 cancer patients, 40 caregivers and six clinicians were sampled. Data collection tools were questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups. An overall reliability Cronbach‘s alpha of 0.779 was established, and also checked content, construct and face validity. Piloting was done at the oncology clinic in Chogoria Hospital in Tharaka Nithi County. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was applied to quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used on qualitative data. The overall response rate was 83%. The study noted that most cancer patients display resilience and optimism, although their psychological well being could be further enhanced through more personalized and patient-centered approaches, better financial support, and improvements in counseling, psycho-education, and support groups. Such interventions positively affect well-being by reducing stigma, enhancing decision-making and problem-solving skills, and increasing empowerment and preparedness. However, their effectiveness is often limited by inadequate psycho education, insufficient infrastructure, incomplete psychosocial care information, lack of personalization in care, and inflexible oncology clinics. Financial difficulties also significantly distress patients. Comprehensive, multifaceted psychosocial interventions that include collaborative social support networks and address individual experiences and financial concerns are crucial for enhancing the psychological well-being of cancer patients. This study therefore recommends the strengthening support networks, prioritizing education, investing in suitable healthcare infrastructure and workforce development programs, engaging families, promoting experience sharing in support groups and ensuring available access to psycho- education. The government should address financial burdens through policy reforms, infrastructure development, partnerships, education and other direct assistance programs. The implications for this study for theories, policies and practice are personalized interventions, self-efficacy, social support, assessments, education, development, integrated care and financial assistance. It indicates a need for tailored psychosocial care, skills training, trust-building, collaboration, and addressing financial burdens to optimize cancer patients' psychological health through adapted comprehensive interventions. The study contributes new knowledge in the field of oncology and psychosocial oncology.