Art therapy to improve quality of life of cancer patients and their carers in Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Art as a therapy helps in reparation and recovery. The aim of this study was to see the response of the cancer patients and their carers residing in Bangladesh towards art therapy and the perceived effect of art therapy on their physical and psychological condition. Method: The study was a record review study conducted through a cross-sectional descriptive method from July to November 2018. Along with the cancer patients, their immediate carers were enrolled in this study since patients and their carers both suffer from the distress that comes with the diagnosis of cancer. In-depth interviews and focused group discussions of art therapy were conducted with our study population at BPSCF and BSMMU. Findings: After art therapy, there was an improvement in sensory perception and self-perception, physical and psychological condition, communication and social skills and helped in more personal integration and built stronger insight among the patients and carers. Majority of the participants of art therapy felt good and wanted to continue art therapy. Significance of results: The results of this study will help to create awareness among the community about the importance of psychotherapies like art therapy in the life of the cancer patients and their carers. Introducing the concept of art therapy will also help the public health practitioners to improvise palliative care services in Bangladesh in a very cost-effective approach.