Psychosocial Experience in Goiter Patients ()
Affiliation(s)
1Department of Surgery and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parakou, Parakou, Benin.
2Department of Surgery and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Sciences and Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
3Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parakou, Parakou, Benin.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Goiter often poses aesthetic disgrace problem. The psychosocial impacts of goiter, in particular in woman may be significant. Objective: studying the psychological and social impacts of the disease in goiter patients within the African context and their consequences on the treatment. Methods: It was a transversal study that took place from May 1to July 31, 2011 in the Collines and Donga departments situated in the center and the north of Benin. The study consisted of a survey conducted through an individual discussion based on questionnaire submitted to goiter patients who accepted to provide their answers. Results: This survey involved 86 patients of which 83 women and 3 men. Their average age was 43.7 ± 13.41. Goiter was noticeable in the totality of the patients. 68.6% of patients declared that they experienced on daily basis the shame caused by the disease. 66% thought that it was a natural disease; however, 27.9% believed that it was caused by bewitchment or sorcery. 46.5% and 37.2% resorted to modern and indigenous medicine respectively; 16.3% made no therapeutic move. Despite the psychosocial impacts of the disease, 50% of the patients rejected surgical intervention possibility. The core motives they raised were lack of financial means (34.8%), disease recurrence fright (23.3%), anesthesia fright (16.3%), and surgical fright (14%). Conclusion: Despite the psychological impacts of the disease, strong resistance exists probably more on cultural aspect than the motives mentioned by thyroidectomy patients.
Share and Cite:
Hounkpatin, S. , Bouraima, F. , Vodouhe, U. , Adjibode, O. , Flatin, M. and Gandaho, P. (2018) Psychosocial Experience in Goiter Patients.
International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery,
7, 367-374. doi:
10.4236/ijohns.2018.76037.