Research Article
Determinants of Psychological Distress Among Healthcare Workers in a Reference Medical Oncology Unit in Cameroon
Berthe Sabine Esson Mapoko*
,
Esther Dina Bell,
Marie Josiane Ntsama Essomba,
Veronique Batoum Mboua,
Etienne Atenguena,
Dominique Anaba,
Anne Sango,
Ruth Mapenya,
Anne Marthe Maison,
Sidonie Ananga,
Ambroise Ntama,
Zacharie Sando,
Olga Bassong Mankollo,
Julienne Ngo Likeng
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
152-158
Received:
14 September 2025
Accepted:
9 October 2025
Published:
30 October 2025
Abstract: Introduction: Healthcare professionals working in oncology are exposed to intense and constant stressors, given the severity of the diseases and frequent confrontation with patient death, which can lead to significant psychological distress and professional burnout. This study's objective was to identify the sociodemographic, social, and work-related determinants contributing to this distress among the nursing staff in the medical oncology department of the Yaoundé General Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted from July to December 2017 in a reference medical oncology unit in Cameroon. The study population comprised the entire nursing and medical staff of the department. A non-probability, exhaustive sampling method was used, resulting in seventeen healthcare workers (13 women, 4 men; 10 nurses, 7 doctors) participating. Data were collected through audio-recorded individual semi-structured interviews and subsequently analyzed using manual content analysis. Results: The analysis revealed that psychological distress is a multifaceted issue driven by three main categories of determinants. Sociodemographic factors identified as sources of pressure included female gender, place of residence (linked to long commutes and traffic stress), family pressure, and personal/financial difficulties. Social factors highlighted varying coping strategies, from prayer and communication to emotional detachment (disconnection/splitting) in the face of patient suffering and death. Work-related environmental determinants were found to be the primary cause of distress, unanimously described by staff. These organizational factors included an unbearably heavy workload due to understaffing, stress from managing patient pain and death (often reduced to administrative tasks), difficult interprofessional communication between nurses and doctors, a severe lack of continuous professional training, and a complete absence of gratification or recognition from management. Conclusion: Psychological distress among oncology healthcare professionals is strongly associated with sociodemographic, social, and, critically, pervasive work-related environmental determinants. The heavy and poorly managed workload, coupled with a lack of institutional support, training, and recognition, are major sources of suffering that require urgent attention from hospital administrators to mitigate psychosocial risks.
Abstract: Introduction: Healthcare professionals working in oncology are exposed to intense and constant stressors, given the severity of the diseases and frequent confrontation with patient death, which can lead to significant psychological distress and professional burnout. This study's objective was to identify the sociodemographic, social, and work-relat...
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Research Article
Study Shows No Awareness of Breast Cancer Screening Among Women in Rural Areas in Coastal Karnataka Compared to Nearby Urban Areas
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
159-166
Received:
22 September 2025
Accepted:
11 October 2025
Published:
3 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.crj.20251304.12
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Abstract: Background and objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer in Indian women. This study examined relationships between demographic variables of women in rural Vitla and urban areas of Mangalore, Moodbidri and Puttur in Dakshina Kannada District and their awareness of BC screening policy, BC and health insurance. The objectives were to know if rural women have adequate knowledge of BC screening. Methods: 100 women cashew factory workers in Vitla were given an oral questionnaire in Kannada and 65 women from urban areas of Mangalore, Moodbidri and Puttur were given the questionnaire in English. Results: Answer sets were analysed, results indicated no significant correlation between respondents’ education and awareness about BC Screening, Self-Examination (BSE) and government screening policies in Vitla (Dakshina Kannada). No relationship was observed between age and awareness. Women in Vitla (Mangalore is 40 km away from Vitla), were aware of BC and had Ayushman Bharat cover; yet they had no idea about screening or its policy but agreed to screen if motivated. All urban women had received higher education, some had heard of BC screening and had health insurance yet were unwilling to screen. Others had not heard of screening but were willing to go. Interpretation and conclusions: India has a 2016 Government policy to screen BC which has not reached all rural women. It must be implemented effectively as early diagnoses and detection can reduce mortality in BC.
Abstract: Background and objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer in Indian women. This study examined relationships between demographic variables of women in rural Vitla and urban areas of Mangalore, Moodbidri and Puttur in Dakshina Kannada District and their awareness of BC screening policy, BC and health insurance. The objectives were to know ...
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