Belitung Nursing Journal
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2024): January - February

Gender role conflicts experienced by Indonesian women with gynecological cancer: A phenomenological study

Atun Raudotul Ma'rifah (Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, 16424 Depok, Indonesia | Faculty of Health, Harapan Bangsa University, Purwokerto, Indonesia)
Yati Afiyanti (Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, 16424 Depok, Indonesia)
Wisnu Djatmiko (Faculty of Computer Science, Universitas Indonesia, 16424 Depok, Indonesia)
Ida Ruwaida (Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Indonesia, 16424 Depok, Indonesia)
Ariesta Milanti (Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Binawan University, 13630 Jakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Feb 2024

Abstract

Background: Gynecological cancer and its treatments can lead to sexual problems, potentially disrupting the gender role performance of women. Sexuality and gender roles are context-specific, yet these issues remain unexplored in the Indonesian context. Objective: This study aimed to explore the gender role conflicts experienced by Indonesian women having gynecological cancer. Method: A qualitative design with a phenomenology approach was utilized in this study. Data were collected through individualized, face-to-face, in-depth interviews conducted from 1 April to 30 December 2022 with 22 women diagnosed with gynecological cancer who had undergone treatments at the Dharmais Cancer Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were developed: 1) challenges in fulfilling female gender roles after having cancer diagnosis and therapies, 2) emotional struggles related to gender role conflicts, and 3) efforts to cope with gender role conflicts. Conclusion: The study sheds light on how sexual complications due to gynecological cancer and its treatments extend beyond physical issues.  A deeper layer of problems around sexual dysfunctions among gynecological cancer survivors is often rooted in traditional gender-role expectations. Nurses should have a comprehensive and contextual understanding of the unique experiences of women living with gynecological cancer to facilitate a positive adaptation to their cancer journey.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

bnj

Publisher

Subject

Nursing

Description

BNJ contributes to the advancement of evidence-based nursing, midwifery and healthcare by disseminating high quality research and scholarship of contemporary relevance and with potential to advance knowledge for practice, education, management or policy. BNJ welcomes submissions of evidence-based ...