Empowering Kuwaiti adults with cancer: oncology nurses' perspectives on home-based self-management

Breast and colorectal cancers are among the most prevalent malignancies in Kuwait. As cancer care shifts toward outpatient and home-based models, this study explored oncology nurses' perspectives on how Kuwaiti adults with these cancers navigate home-based self-management and identified strategies used to empower patients in this process.

A qualitative study using a constructivist grounded theory approach was conducted in 2022 at a specialized cancer care center in Kuwait. Semi-structured interviews were held with seven purposively selected oncology nurses, each with at least 2 years of oncology experience. Data were analyzed through constant comparison and theoretical coding.

The central theme, "Holistic empowerment and self-management in cancer care amidst systemic challenges," reflected the nurses' multifaceted role in supporting patients' recovery and adaptation. Nurses emphasized that structured health education and family involvement enhanced confidence in managing medications, wound care, and rehabilitation at home. Emotional and psychological support during care transitions, particularly at discharge or palliative stages, strengthened patient motivation and trust. However, resource shortages, language barriers, and socioeconomic disparities constrained empowerment efforts. Collaboration with community organizations provided essential financial and emotional support to fill systemic gaps.

Oncology nurses play a pivotal role in facilitating self-management among cancer survivors in Kuwait. Strengthening their capacity through targeted training, cultural competence, and policy support can improve survivorship outcomes. These findings underscore the need for culturally competent, system-supported empowerment strategies to enhance survivorship care.