Abdulrahim Al-Bahri1, Mansour Al-Moundhri2, Zahid Al-Mandhari3, Mohammed Al-Azri4. 1. Department of Health Information and Statistics, Al-Nahdha Hospital, Ministry of Health, Oman. 2. Department of Medicine, Oncology Unit, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. 3. The National Oncology Centre, The Royal Hospital, Oman. 4. Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 35, 123, Oman. Electronic address: mhalazri@squ.edu.om.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: There is limited number of studies from Arabic countries on the participation of family members in Treatment decision-making (TDM) process. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of family members in the TDM process among adult Omani women diagnosed with breast cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional study has been conducted with women diagnosed with breast cancer and their nominated family members. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients and their nominated family members participated. The family members who were most engaged in the TDM were more likely to be young, male, employed and first-degree relative. The following characteristics of patients associated with more family-controlled the TDM: being older (crude odds ratio [OR] = 7.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.28-22.20), no formal education (OR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.54) and diagnosed at stage IV (OR = 6.55; 95% CI: 1.89-22.65). The family members who dominate communication with the oncologists were more likely to control the TDM (OR = 6.03; 95% CI: 1.78-20.42). CONCLUSION: Several factors influence the TDM process including age, gender, employments status, educational level and capability of communication. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The TDM process is heavily involves family members. This should be taking in consideration by oncologists during counselling in order to reach the best treatment.
OBJECTIVE: There is limited number of studies from Arabic countries on the participation of family members in Treatment decision-making (TDM) process. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of family members in the TDM process among adult Omani women diagnosed with breast cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional study has been conducted with women diagnosed with breast cancer and their nominated family members. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients and their nominated family members participated. The family members who were most engaged in the TDM were more likely to be young, male, employed and first-degree relative. The following characteristics of patients associated with more family-controlled the TDM: being older (crude odds ratio [OR] = 7.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.28-22.20), no formal education (OR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.54) and diagnosed at stage IV (OR = 6.55; 95% CI: 1.89-22.65). The family members who dominate communication with the oncologists were more likely to control the TDM (OR = 6.03; 95% CI: 1.78-20.42). CONCLUSION: Several factors influence the TDM process including age, gender, employments status, educational level and capability of communication. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The TDM process is heavily involves family members. This should be taking in consideration by oncologists during counselling in order to reach the best treatment.