Social Reintegration and Stigma Among Childhood Cancer Survivors in West Kenya

Abstract

Purpose:

The population of childhood cancer survivors in low- and middle-income countries is set to increase due to diagnosis and treatment advancements. However, cancer is still associated with stigma that may hinder societal re-entry. This study explores the social reintegration and stigmatization of Kenyan childhood cancer survivors to develop targeted interventions for follow-up care.

Methods:

Adult survivors of childhood cancers who completed treatment at the largest referral hospital in Western Kenya were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires between 2021 and 2022. Stigma was assessed using the Social Impact Scale.

Results:

Twenty-six survivors (median age 20 years) were interviewed, with 16 (62%) being males. All survivors missed classes during treatment, and 16 (62%) had to repeat school grades after treatment completion. Many (13; 50%) reported negative feelings about the situation at school. Six (23%) were excluded from school activities and four were bullied (15%). Most 25 (96%) could not openly speak about cancer to all community members. Reasons for lacking social support, avoidance, and discrimination were cancer is a curse, contagious, or inheritable. Nine (35%) felt that their marital prospects were negatively affected by their cancer history. Stigma was higher for survivors who received a negative response after cancer disclosure (p = 0.001) and survivors with negative perspectives on their marital prospects (p = 0.002). Survivors recommended community and school education, peer support groups, and counseling.

Conclusion:

Childhood cancer survivors in Kenya face difficulties with social reintegration and stigmatization. Outreach campaigns focusing on education at schools and communities should be implemented. Counseling and support groups may facilitate re-entry into society.