Spousal desertion and coping strategies among women with cervical cancer in Nigeria: a schematic framework for wellbeing
population health
32
Issue: 1
(02 - 2018)
Background: Women that are not in good health cannot contribute to sustainable development but
effective coping during and after sickness could enhance their contributions to development.
Objective: The study examined the coping strategies among women with cervical cancer in different marital
context in Nigeria
Methods: In-depth interview from eight women survivors and patients of cervical cancer in two distinct
marital contexts characterised by the presence or absence of husband from two states of Nigeria. Data
were analysed using content analytic procedures and premised upon relationship-focused coping
strategy theory.
Results: The study identified basic coping strategies as seeking support from religious organisations and
adjustment of sexual lifestyle.
Conclusion: The study concluded that women’s coping strategies on cervical cancer varied according
to marital context. The authors recommend counselling, increasing cervical cancer risk awareness and
husband-wife support, especially during life-threatening sicknesses to engender quick recovery and
improved well-being for sustaining women contributions to development.
Keywords: Cervical cancer, coping strategies, framework analysis, husband desertion, sexual partner,
in-depth interview, SDGs, Nigeria
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