Spousal desertion and coping strategies among women with cervical cancer in Nigeria: a schematic framework for wellbeing

Abstract

Background: Women that are not in good health cannot contribute to sustainable development but effective coping during and after sickness could enhance their contributions to development. Objective: The study examined the coping strategies among women with cervical cancer in different marital context in Nigeria Methods: In-depth interview from eight women survivors and patients of cervical cancer in two distinct marital contexts characterised by the presence or absence of husband from two states of Nigeria. Data were analysed using content analytic procedures and premised upon relationship-focused coping strategy theory. Results: The study identified basic coping strategies as seeking support from religious organisations and adjustment of sexual lifestyle. Conclusion: The study concluded that women’s coping strategies on cervical cancer varied according to marital context. The authors recommend counselling, increasing cervical cancer risk awareness and husband-wife support, especially during life-threatening sicknesses to engender quick recovery and improved well-being for sustaining women contributions to development.