Lived experiences of cancer patients undertaking chemotherapy at Felege-Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, North-West Ethiopia, a descriptive phenomenological study

Abstract Background: Cancer is the most important cause of acute and chronic illnesses in the world. Cancer has different types of symptoms at different stages on different sites of the body. Chemotherapy involves different side complications and harsh effects on the patient’s general health in emotional, social, physical, and spiritual dimensions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences of patients living with cancer undertaking chemotherapy in Felege-Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, North-west Ethiopia. Method: A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted from March 17 to May 23, 2021. A heterogeneous purposive sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Thirteen cancer patients and two healthcare workers who work at the oncology center were enrolled. Data was gathered from patients undertaking chemotherapy through an in-depth interview guide and observational checklist. The data obtained through in-depth interviews and observation was recorded, transcribed translated, and coded by using Atlas Ti version 7 software. Thematic analysis was used. The rigor of the study was obtained. Result: In this study, five main themes and thirteen subthemes were constructed. The major themes were: - the seriousness of the disease, affected usual role, financial constraint, psychological impact, and challenges to getting chemotherapy. The disease affects the participants by restricting their social movement. The inaccessibility of the service unit in their immediate surroundings, as well as a lack of drugs and lab investigations in the government hospitals, makes their lives difficult. Conclusion: The study identified five main themes and thirteen subthemes. The participants explore the condition of the disease as an incurable disease and consider the disease to be deadly. The disease became serious due to the nature of the treatment and its side effects. The disease also prevents the patient and their family from participating in various activities. Therefore, we recommend accessible, affordable chemotherapy services with psychological support to all cancer patients.