The need for and acceptability of a cancer training course for medical and nursing students in Tanzania: a convergent mixed methods study

Study Title: The need for and acceptability of a cancer training course for medical and nursing students in Tanzania: a convergent mixed methods study

Background

The burden of cancer in Africa is increasing, and it is crucial to provide healthcare providers with proper training in cancer screening, prevention, care, and community education. This training can lead to improved patient care and reduced healthcare costs.

Aim

To assess the need and acceptability of a cancer training course for nursing and medical doctor students at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

A cross-sectional parallel mixed method study was conducted within a larger study on sexual health training for health professionals. The study involved a randomized controlled trial of sexual health training versus a waitlist control among health students at MUHAS in Tanzania. Descriptive analysis and inductive thematic analysis were performed to assess the need and acceptability of the cancer training course.

Results

Data from 408 students (272 medical doctors and 136 nursing students) showed that most students received little to no cancer training but were interested in receiving such training. The majority expressed the need for a cancer training course in their undergraduate program to improve the quality of cancer care and enhance patients’ quality of life through early diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

The study concluded that a cancer training course is highly needed and acceptable to medical and nursing students. Implementation of this course is expected to improve students’ knowledge and skills, leading to improved quality of cancer care and patients’ quality of life through early diagnosis and management.

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