Challenges related to health care for Iranian women with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Introduction: COVID-19 has widely affected the health and care of people with chronic diseases, especially those with breast cancer. Because the health status of women with breast cancer in Iran has been unknown during the COVID-19 outbreak, we aimed to explore the challenges related to care of Iranian women with breast cancer during this pandemic. Methods: Using the qualitative content analysis design, 31 semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted from September 2020 to January 2021, with purposefully selected participants including 17 women with breast cancer, 7 health-care providers, and 7 family caregivers. Data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis. Results: Challenges related to health care for Iranian women with breast cancer can be classified into ten subcategories and three main categories. “Lack of specific functional and information resources,” “Limited equipment and active medical centers,” and “Intensification of the chemotherapy drug crisis” comprised the main category of “Inefficiency of care and treatment services.” “Lack of access to family caregiver,” “Ignoring the psychological burden imposed on patients,” and “Inadequate financial support from insurance organizations” were categorized as “Inadequate patient support.” “Avoiding receiving timely and appropriate treatment and care,” “Failure to accept self-responsibility for health,” “Misconceptions about COVID-19,” and “Ignoring breast cancer in the COVID-19 pandemic” comprised the subcategories of “ineffective self-care.” Conclusion: The present study provided a new understanding of the challenges regarding the health status of women with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings could be used to develop effective interventions.