Unmet needs and coping strategies of fathers caring for children with cancer in Ghana

The study aimed to explore the experiences of fathers who served as primary caregivers for their children diagnosed with cancer and how they cope with the challenges they face in their caregiving roles. This study adopts a qualitative approach with phenomenological sensitivity, aiming to explore fathers’ lived experiences of caring for children with cancer. An in-depth interview was conducted with eleven fathers. Each participant was provided with written consent. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three major themes were identified: reasons for paternal caregiving, challenges fathers faced, and how they cope. The analysis revealed that fathers were directly involved in caregiving to provide a sense of protection, an emotional bond, and a shared responsibility. Notwithstanding, it comes with various challenges that affect them emotionally, psychologically, financially and physically. To conclude, it was found that how fathers cope with the challenges of childhood cancer care was associated with their masculinity, as culturally, men are supposed to be emotionally and mentally tough. The financial burden of medication costs should be subsidised to reduce the rate of fathers borrowing and begging. Policies aimed at supporting childhood cancer should include fathers who are breadwinners and are actively taking care of these children. In that regard, fathers can consistently support their families financially and promote the quality of life.