Health Communication Experiences of Cervical Cancer Patient Navigators in Supporting Remission at RSKD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12928/commicast.v7i2.16603Keywords:
Hope, Interpersonal communication, Intrapersonal communication, MotivationAbstract
This study explores the experiences of cervical cancer patient navigators in motivating themselves and other patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation at RSKD to achieve remission. Motivation plays an important role in helping patients develop positive thinking and a strong determination to recover. The study uses a phenomenological approach to understand how survivors interpret their experiences and give meaning to their journey toward remission. Although patient navigation has been widely investigated in high-income countries, empirical evidence on how patient navigators in Indonesia, particularly at RSKD, experience and enact health communication in supporting cervical cancer patients during remission remains scarce. Moreover, Indonesia's unique cultural context, healthcare system, and communication practices may generate distinct communication experiences and challenges that are not adequately reflected in the existing international literature. The research involved two women aged 50–65 years who had previously undergone chemotherapy and radiation and were later declared free from HPV. Both participants currently serve as patient navigators for cervical cancer patients at RSKD. Data were collected using purposive and snowball sampling within a constructivist paradigm. The findings show that achieving remission is not only a medical struggle but also a psychological and social one. The participants experienced pessimism, hopelessness, and social stigma that viewed cancer as a fatal disease. Despite these challenges, they were able to motivate themselves and support other patients through interpersonal communication and shared experiences. Spiritual closeness to God emerged as the main source of strength and resilience in maintaining hope and motivation toward remission
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