@article{Khattak_M-2022_93052, title = {Experiences of newly diagnosed oral cancer patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study from Pakistan}, author = {Khattak, M. and Khattak, S. and Khan, M. and Khan, Z. and Dikomitis, L. and Ul-Haq, Z. and Saddki, N.}, month = {jul}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the scaling back or postponement of non-emergency hospital services, including care of cancer patients. The present qualitative study explored the experiences of newly diagnosed oral cancer patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. Patients who attended the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Khyber College of Dentistry in July 2020 were selected using a maximum variation purposive sampling method. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted in Pashto, the local language of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Thematic content analysis yielded eight major themes: pain and generalised physical weakness, shock at diagnosis, psychological distress of the COVID-19 pandemic, faith and religion, double hit loss of employment, social isolation, social support from caregivers, and lack of support from health care professionals. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has a clear impact on the life experiences of newly diagnosed oral cancer patients. Distress due to delay in accessing health care and lack of support from health care providers are a matter of great concern. Appropriate interventions should be introduced to ensure psychological and social support strategies are in place for patients during interruptions of health care services.}, volume = {19}, issue = {14}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, publisher = {MDPI}, url = {https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148508}, }