The social and economic impacts of cervical cancer on women and children in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review

Abstract

Background There is limited knowledge on the social and economic impacts of a diagnosis of cervical cancer on women and children in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Objectives To determine the social and economic impacts associated with cervical cancer among women and children living in LMICs. Search strategy The MEDLINE, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Pais International, and CAB Global Health databases were systematically searched to retrieve studies up to June 2021. Selection criteria Studies were included if they reported on either the social or economic impacts of women or children in a LMIC. Data collection and analysis Data was independently extracted by two co‐authors. The authors performed a quality assessment on all included articles. Main results In all, 53 studies were included in the final review. Social impacts identified included social support, education, and independence. Economic impacts included employment and financial security. No study reported the economic impact on children. Studies that utilized quantitative methods typically reported more positive results than those that utilized qualitative methods. Conclusions Additional mixed‐methods research is needed to further understand the social support needs of women with cervical cancer. Furthermore, research is needed on the impact of a mother's diagnosis of cervical cancer on her children.

Influence of psychoactive substance use and sexually transmitted infections on the cervical cytology

“…Одним із найтривожніших аспектів цієї динаміки є вплив на профілактичні заходи в галузі охорони здоров'я. Регулярне медичне обслуговування, таке як скринінг на рак, має вирішальне значення для виявлення та лікування хвороб на ранній стадії [10]. На жаль, стигма, пов'язана зі зловживанням психоактивними речовинами, може перешкоджати доступу цих людей до вищезазначених профілактичних заходів.…”

Coping strategies used by patients with cervical cancer: An explorative qualitative study at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

“…Of all participants, half were in the age group 31 to 50 years, and most (9) had lived with cervical cancer for two years. Four (4) were single, the other 4 were divorced, and most (10) were Christians. Regarding the level of education and employment, 10 had a primary education, and 8 were self-employed.…”

“…Cervical cancer patients experience various changes in their lives, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual changes [8,9]. There is enormous socioeconomic impact experienced by these patients, including loss of body image, loss of femininity, loss of sexual functioning, loss of income, social discrimination, nancial distress, and work and employment challenges [10][11][12]. It, therefore, signi cantly affects the quality of life (QOL) of survivors, including physical and psychological sequelae, family distress, nancial burden, and disruptions to their social functioning and sexual life [13].…”

The economic burden of cervical cancer on women in Uganda: Findings from a cross-sectional study conducted at two public cervical cancer clinics

“…Dau et al reported in their 2022 systematic review that there are only two studies in lowand middle-income countries that quantify the direct and indirect costs of cervical cancer treatments [14][15][16] However, as they are limited to two countries, they provide a limited understanding of the global burden. The first study by Hailu et al in Ethiopia measured both direct costs such as consultation fees and indirect costs such as lost wages.…”