Psychosocial aspects of adult cancer patients: A scoping review of sub‐Saharan Africa

Abstract

Objective Psychosocial aspects of adult cancer patients in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) have been described in silos of research articles. Integrative analysis of regional evidence is lacking. This review aimed to describe the scope of existing research on mental health problems, identify research gaps and make informed research, policy and practice recommendations. Methods Search was conducted for original peer‐reviewed research articles, irrespective of their quality, on psychosocial aspects of cancer in all SSA countries using PubMed, Google Scholar, Google search, African Index Medicus and direct searches of reference list of pertinent journal articles. Publications in English or translated to English were included. Case reports, dissertations, abstracts, publications without primary focus on psychosocial issues, psychosocial issues in children and studies conducted with SSA populations living outside the sub‐region were excluded. The methodological framework described by Arksey and O’Malley was used to synthesize and present the results. Inductive approach was used to arrive at the thematic areas. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline was used to describe the review. Results Eighty‐three studies conducted across 15 countries were identified. Six thematic areas emerged namely; psychosocial needs, psychiatric disorders, coping strategies, suicidality, psychometrics and psychosocial interventions. Fifteen of 46 countries had at least one study with the majority of articles emanating from Nigeria. Research articles on psychosocial needs, psychiatric morbidities and coping strategies appears adequate for systematic review in SSA region. Despite the overwhelming evidence of high unmet psychosocial needs, a huge gap exists regarding psychosocial interventions. Conclusion Further research is needed into identified gaps in the region and quality of evidence of these studies need to be improved upon. Comprehensive policies and action plan development are sin qua non for addressing psychosocial problems of adults with cancer in SSA.

Role of a mental health physician in the management of oncology patients: a case vignette and the need for collaboration

“…A recent review of psychiatric disorders among cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa reported a high incidence ( 14 ), with 66.9% presenting with a Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV disorder ( 15 ). Major depression and anxiety were most prevalent, with diagnostic surveys revealing 16.4%–40.3% of patients were experiencing depression and 8.8%–19.0% experiencing anxiety ( 16 – 19 ).…”

Global psycho‐oncology in low middle‐income countries: Challenges and opportunities

“…Bizri et al 12 describe challenges in building psycho-oncology services in Lebanon, and Onyeka et al 13 found, with a few exceptions, that huge gaps exist in psychosocial care for patients with cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. Global partnerships can be of value to advance the routine implementation of psychosocial care for patients with cancer and their families.…”

“…21 Asuzu et al 22 report a pilot psychosocial intervention group in Nigeria that shows potential in supporting breast cancer patients. However, the need for greater attention to interventional research in psychosocial oncology was highlighted by Onyeka et al 13 in a scoping review of the psychosocial aspects of cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. In a similar vein, based on a survey of cancer care providers in Africa, Lounsbury et al 23 provide support for the need for culturally grounded communication research and program design.…”

“…Bizri et al 12 . describe challenges in building psycho‐oncology services in Lebanon, and Onyeka et al 13 . found, with a few exceptions, that huge gaps exist in psychosocial care for patients with cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa.…”

“…Asuzu et al 22 report a pilot psychosocial intervention group in Nigeria that shows potential in supporting breast cancer patients. However, the need for greater attention to interventional research in psychosocial oncology was highlighted by Onyeka et al 13 . in a scoping review of the psychosocial aspects of cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa.…”