The Experience and Religious Coping at Cervical Cancer Patients with Chemotherapy: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Abstract
Background: Women diagnosed with cancer face many challenges ranging from the onset of
the disease, treatment measures, delay in diagnosis, side effects of treatment, and social
problems. Aim of the study: This study aimed to explore the experience and religious coping
of cervical cancer patients with chemotherapy. Methods: The study used a qualitative
phenomenological design. There were seven participants in this study by purposive
sampling. Participants were women with cervical cancer who underwent chemotherapy and
were treated in a hospital in Surabaya. Data collection was through in-depth interviews and
field notes, while data analysis used the Collaizi technique. Results: The study revealed six
themes, such as the purpose of life, the personal meaning of the disease, the emotional
response, social support, religious coping, and the hope of recovery in cervical cancer
patients with chemotherapy. Cancer patients with chemotherapy face uncertainty and
various problems caused by physical, psychological, role, and social changes. However, they
do praying, giving alms, and dhikr as religious coping. In addition, they have the hope of
recovery. Conclusion: Religious coping, the hope of recovery, social support, and life
purpose make patients survive cervical cancer. This study can improve the implementation
of holistic nursing care for individuals with cervical cancer.
Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Chemotherapy, Experience, Religious Coping