TITLE:
Art Therapy to Improve Quality of Life of Cancer Patients and Their Carers in Bangladesh
AUTHORS:
Rumana Dowla, Annekathryn Goodman, Tahsin Kashem
KEYWORDS:
Art Therapy, Cancer Care, Quality of Life, Bangladesh
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.10 No.6,
June
24,
2019
ABSTRACT: Objective: Art as a therapy helps in reparation and recovery. The aim of this study
was to see the response of the cancer patients and their carers residing in
Bangladesh towards art therapy and the perceived effect of art therapy on their
physical and psychological condition. Method: The study was a record
review study conducted through a cross-sectional descriptive method from July
to November 2018.
Along with the cancer patients, their immediate carers were enrolled in this study since patients and their
carers both suffer from the distress that comes with the diagnosis of cancer.
In-depth interviews and focused group discussions of art therapy were conducted with our study population at BPSCF and
BSMMU. Findings: After art therapy, there was an improvement in sensory
perception and self-perception, physical and psychological condition,
communication and social skills and helped in more personal integration and
built stronger insight among the patients and carers. Majority of the
participants of art therapy felt good and wanted to continue art therapy. Significance
of results: The results of this study will help to create awareness among
the community about the importance of psychotherapies like art therapy in the
life of the cancer patients and their carers. Introducing the concept of art
therapy will also help the public health practitioners to improvise palliative
care services in Bangladesh in a very
cost-effective approach.