Effects of Cancer on the Socio-Economic Dimensions of Patients: Evidence from Nakuru Level 5 Oncology Clinic

Dulcie, Wanda; Koome, Peter; Muasya, Daniel

doi:10.51317/ecjeds.v1i1.67

Cited by 1 publication

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References 15 publications

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“…The exorbitant cost of cancer treatment coupled with the low-income levels of cancer patients in the study explains this phenomenon. Dulcie et al [ 18 ] in their study of the socio- economic effects of cancer on patients in Kenya noted a strong association between developing cancer and loss of income and increased medical expenditure. The authors noted that the high cost of cancer treatment and care subsequently led to a reduction of income of patients which is true for participants in our study.…”

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confidence: 99%

The psychosocial burden of women seeking treatment for breast and cervical cancers in Ghana’s major cancer hospitals

Okyere Asante,

Owusu,

Oppong

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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Background Breast and cervical cancers remain the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer deaths in Ghana. Non-communicable diseases such as cancers, have been associated with psychological burdens such as anxiety and depression disorders as well as severe mental disorders such as bipolar disorder. As such the World Health Organisation has noted that mental health and well-being are crucial in reducing the NCD burden. Methods A convergent mixed method approach was used to ascertain the psychosocial burden of breast and cervical cancer patients who sought treatment in three major cancer hospitals in Ghana. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire and an interview guide from 298 breast and cervical cancer patients seeking treatment at the Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals as well as the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre. Qualitative analysis was done using thematic content analysis while quantitative analysis was done using logistic regression. Results The findings of the study showed that patients not only battled with psychological burdens such as anxiety, depression, pain, stigma, fear of death and loss of spouses but also struggled with physical, social, and dietary restrictions. Patients with low educational levels and income status, retired or unemployed, and/or had larger household sizes suffered more psychosocial burdens. Conclusion There is a need for liaison psychiatrists and health psychologists to assist oncologists to provide psychological support such as free and routine counselling services for cancer patients and their caregivers. Educational campaigns on mainstream and social media need to be intensified to demystify the stigma surrounding cancers in Ghana.

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confidence: 99%