Enhancing quality of life through physiotherapy: A biopsychosocial analysis of breast cancer rehabilitation at a tertiary center in Kenya
1
PHYYSICAL MEDICINE CENTRE, THE NAIROBI HOSPITAL, NAIROBI, Kenya
2
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, AMREF INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, NAIROBI, Kenya
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
In Kenya, breast cancer survivorship is increasingly marred by long-term functional impairments. While clinical focus often remains on surgical and oncological survival, the public health burden of treatment-related disability is frequently overlooked. This study, grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model and Self-Efficacy Theory, investigates the role of physiotherapy in mitigating functional limitations and improving Quality of Life among breast cancer patients. It specifically explores how social, psychological, and biological factors intersect to influence recovery outcomes in a Kenyan context.
METHODS:
A descriptive cross-sectional study is being conducted at The Nairobi Hospital, targeting a sample of 100–150 female breast cancer patients who have undergone surgery and at least four weeks of physiotherapy. A mixed-methods approach is employed, utilizing structured questionnaires to assess physical domains (Range of Motion, Pain, and ADLs) and semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers to identify systemic barriers. The study accounts for moderating variables, including healthcare system dynamics, patient compliance, and socio-economic factors that influence the continuity of care.
RESULTS:
Preliminary analysis indicates that while physiotherapy is highly effective for pain management and shoulder mobility, patient self-efficacy serves as a critical mediator for long-term adherence to rehabilitation. Initial data suggest that institutional gaps and the absence of standardized referral pathways often delay initiation of therapy. Current observations point toward a significant need for improved patient education, as many participants report a lack of awareness regarding the necessity of physical rehabilitation post-surgery.
CONCLUSIONS:
Final results are expected to provide a blueprint for the formal integration of rehabilitation services into national oncology protocols. From a public health perspective, this research advocates for standardized referral pathways from oncology to physiotherapy and informs policy reform for broader insurance coverage (SHA) of rehabilitation services. By addressing both clinical and systemic barriers, the study aims to foster more equitable, patient-centered rehabilitation policies across sub-Saharan Africa.
In Kenya, breast cancer survivorship is increasingly marred by long-term functional impairments. While clinical focus often remains on surgical and oncological survival, the public health burden of treatment-related disability is frequently overlooked. This study, grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model and Self-Efficacy Theory, investigates the role of physiotherapy in mitigating functional limitations and improving Quality of Life among breast cancer patients. It specifically explores how social, psychological, and biological factors intersect to influence recovery outcomes in a Kenyan context.
METHODS:
A descriptive cross-sectional study is being conducted at The Nairobi Hospital, targeting a sample of 100–150 female breast cancer patients who have undergone surgery and at least four weeks of physiotherapy. A mixed-methods approach is employed, utilizing structured questionnaires to assess physical domains (Range of Motion, Pain, and ADLs) and semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers to identify systemic barriers. The study accounts for moderating variables, including healthcare system dynamics, patient compliance, and socio-economic factors that influence the continuity of care.
RESULTS:
Preliminary analysis indicates that while physiotherapy is highly effective for pain management and shoulder mobility, patient self-efficacy serves as a critical mediator for long-term adherence to rehabilitation. Initial data suggest that institutional gaps and the absence of standardized referral pathways often delay initiation of therapy. Current observations point toward a significant need for improved patient education, as many participants report a lack of awareness regarding the necessity of physical rehabilitation post-surgery.
CONCLUSIONS:
Final results are expected to provide a blueprint for the formal integration of rehabilitation services into national oncology protocols. From a public health perspective, this research advocates for standardized referral pathways from oncology to physiotherapy and informs policy reform for broader insurance coverage (SHA) of rehabilitation services. By addressing both clinical and systemic barriers, the study aims to foster more equitable, patient-centered rehabilitation policies across sub-Saharan Africa.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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