Challenges of Participating in Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients in Iran: Qualitative Content Analysis

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. One of the main ways to treat this disease is chemotherapy. Due to its importance, many patients refuse to do it. The aim of this study was to investigate the barriers to chemotherapy in cancer patients in Iran. Materials and methods: The present study is a qualitative study that was conducted using in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 44 participants. Data were analyzed by contractual content analysis using MAXQDA software version 10. Findings: By analyzing the findings from all the extracted themes, two main themes: "Individual factors and treatment factors" were abstracted. Classes of factors related to the patient (lack of support and mental barriers), "Factors related to treatment" with classes (lack of appropriate treatment facilities, environment, and disease problems) as barriers to participation in chemotherapy in cancer patients were identified. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that some of the factors that prevent the patient from participating in chemotherapy can be eliminated by educating the patient and the treatment staff, and some of them require structural changes in medical and care centers.