Family Functioning in Childhood Cancer among Zimbabwean Families (Paperback)

This book describes a study carried out at a central teaching hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe on the experiences of families living with childhood cancers. Chapter 1 describes the background and reveals the stress caused by the diagnosis of childhood cancer. Chapter two Reviewed studies that highlight a decline in childhood mortality by 45% since 1975, with survival rate reported as 58% in 2004 compared to 32.6% in 1970. However, a further review of literature reveals a totally different picture in Sub-Saharan Africa where late presentation leaves limited chances for curative treatment. The content also discusses the impact of cultural beliefs and practices on family members' health-seeking behaviors. Studies reviewed also display various types of stressors familes from other cultures have had to deal with while living with childhood cancer, and also the coping stratergies that they used. Finally, the book presents very interesting findings from the current study. Implications of the study findings to practice, policy and resarch are discussd.The book concludes by making recomendations for future research.