To explore the communication and swallowing experiences of Malaysian men with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) and identify culturally sensitive interventions, such as tailored support and education, to improve their quality of life.
Key Findings:
Patients reported significant difficulties in swallowing and communication post-treatment, leading to social withdrawal and negatively affecting their quality of life.
There is a gap in health professionals' understanding of patients' swallowing issues compared to patients' self-reports.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the need for improved awareness and support for swallowing and communication challenges among NPC patients, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive interventions, such as tailored support and education.
Limitations:
Study limited to male patients, which may not represent the experiences of female NPC patients.
Findings may not be generalizable to other populations outside Malaysia.
Qualitative nature of the study may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Conclusion:
Addressing the swallowing and communication challenges faced by Malaysian men with NPC is crucial for enhancing their quality of life and requires tailored interventions.
