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

Purpose: Breast and colorectal cancers are among the most prevalent malignancies in Kuwait. As cancer care increasingly shifts toward outpatient and home-based models, this study aimed to explore oncology nurses’ perspectives on how Kuwaiti adults with these cancers navigate home-based self-management, and to identify strategies used to empower patients in this process. Methods: 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 two years of experience. Data were analyzed using constant comparative methods and theoretical coding. Results: The central theme identified was “Holistic empowerment and self-management in cancer care amidst systemic challenges,” supported by eight subthemes including patient education, emotional support, cultural sensitivity, and resource limitations. Nurses emphasized the importance of personalized education, emotional care during transitions, and culturally sensitive communication. Systemic barriers such as staff shortages, limited educational resources, and socioeconomic disparities were highlighted. Community organizations were noted as key partners in supplementing care. Conclusion: Oncology nurses play a vital role in facilitating home-based self-management for cancer patients in Kuwait. Strengthening their capacity through targeted training, policy support, and resource allocation can enhance patient autonomy and improve outcomes. These findings underscore the need for systemic reforms to support nurse-led empowerment strategies in oncology care.