Survey of Willingness to Accept Chemotherapy among Elderly Malaysian Patients

Abstract

Background: The geriatric population in Malaysia is predicted to increase from 4% of the total population in 1998 to 9.8% by 2020, in parallel with developments in the socioeconomy. Cancer is expected to be a major medical issue among this population. However, the decision for treatment in Malaysia is always decided by the caregivers instead of the elderly patients themselves. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the willingness to accept chemotherapy among elderly Malaysians. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients aged 60 and above from various clinics/wards were recruited. Those giving consent were interviewed using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 75 patients were recruited, 35 patients (47%) with a history of cancer. The median age was 73 years old. There were 29 Chinese (38.7%), 22 Indian (29.3%), 20 Malay (26.7%) and four other ethnicity patients. Some 83% and 73% of patients willing to accept strong and mild chemotherapy, respectively. Patients with cancer were more willing to accept strong and mild chemotherapy compared to the non-cancer group (88.6% vs 62.5%, P=0.005, 94% vs 80%, P=0.068). On sub-analysis, 71.4% and 42.9% of Chinese patients without a history of cancer were not willing to receive strong and mild chemotherapy, respectively. Conclusions: The majority of elderly patients in UMMC were willing to receive chemotherapy if they had cancer. Experience with previous treatment had positive influence on the willingness to undergo chemotherapy.

Assessing Patient Confidence and Satisfaction about the Shared Decision-making Meetings for Planning Cancer Chemotherapy

“…They believed that additional discussion about the chemotherapy would increase their confidence in making such a decision. In addition, previous study showed that the more the time spent with the patient, the more the psychological support they have while making such important decision [16]. However, in this study 90 (84.9%) patients were able to make their decision during the first meeting.…”

Study Fenomenologi: Psikologis Pasien Kanker Yang Menjalani Kemoterapi

“…Dampak yang terjadi pada tahap ini adalah kondisi penyakit akan menjadi lebih buruk, karena pasien yang tidak percaya dengan diagnosa, pasien akan mengabaikan pengobatan yang sebenarnya dapat menyembuhkan penyakit tersebut (Razali, et al, 2013). Kemampuan adaptasi dari pasien kanker sangat dibutuhkan dalam menjalani tahap-tahap respon tersebut.…”

Analysis of the recovery determinant factors of COVID-19 sufferes

“…COVID-19 patients who receive support from their family and closest relatives will greatly influence their recovery, because it can generate optimism for these patients [14]. One of the factors that influence the adaptation of someone who has just been diagnosed with a disease is optimism for recovery.…”