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Bhatia KP, Ganguly S, Sasi A, Kumar V, Agarwala S, Meel R, Khan SA, Pushpam D, Bagai P, Sharma S, Ahamad N, Kumari M, Bakhshi S. Sex Bias in Treatment Abandonment of Childhood Cancer in India. Indian J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s12098-023-05010-z. [PMID: 38270753 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-05010-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the magnitude of sex bias and determinants of treatment abandonment (TA) in childhood cancer in India. METHODS Individual data of children (0-19 y) registered between January 1, 2017 and July 31, 2022, was compiled. TA was defined as defaulting curative intent treatment ≥4 wk. Defaulting treatment irrespective of intent ≥4 wk was defined as Treatment Default (TD). The primary outcome was the proportion of male-to-female children with TA. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of male-to-female children with upfront TA, TA at relapse, TD, TD-p (TD only in the palliative setting). The impact of clinico-demographic factors on TA was analysed using multivariable regression and propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS Three thousand two hundred eighty four patients were analysed. The overall male-to-female ratio (MFR) was 2.08 (95% CI 1.94-2.24). Of 2906 patients treated with curative intent, 415 (14·3%) abandoned treatment. TA was higher in females than males (16·4% vs. 13·3%; p = 0·022) with adjusted MFR of 0·81 (0·66-0·98). The adjusted MFR of TA for treatment-naïve and relapsed patients and TD were 0·73 (0·59-0·91), 1·13 (0·65-1·96) and 0·84 (0·71-1·00) respectively. Sex independently predicted TA on multivariable analysis. However, on PSM analysis including socio-economic variables, lower maternal education predicted higher TA in children with cancer (10·1% vs. 6%, p = 0·015). CONCLUSIONS Child sex predicted TA in childhood cancer in India with more females abandoning treatment. Maternal education is a more crucial factor predicting TA over child sex, when socio-economic factors were considered. Hence, policies promoting female education and gender equality may mitigate sex-based gaps in childhood cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanu Priya Bhatia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Shuvadeep Ganguly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Sasi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Sandeep Agarwala
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Rachna Meel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Shah Alam Khan
- Department of Orthopedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Deepam Pushpam
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Poonam Bagai
- CanKids KidsCan, National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India, New Delhi, India
| | - Sonal Sharma
- CanKids KidsCan, National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India, New Delhi, India
| | - Nasim Ahamad
- CanKids KidsCan, National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India, New Delhi, India
| | - Mamta Kumari
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Sameer Bakhshi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India.
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Phiri L, Li WHC, Phiri PGMC, Cheung AT, Wanda‐Kalizang'oma W, Kamwendo A, Lemon S. Experiences of caregivers of children with cancer in Malawi: A qualitative study. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6963. [PMID: 38379330 PMCID: PMC10844995 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that caregivers of children with cancer experience challenges when caring for their children. To date, no studies have examined the experience of caregivers of children with cancer in Malawi, a low-income country in sub-Saharan Africa. Hence, this study aimed to explore the experiences of caregivers of Malawian children receiving cancer treatment. METHODS This explorative qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 22 caregivers of children receiving cancer treatment. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Five themes emerged from the QCA. The caregivers perceived their children's cancer as a burden, a form of psychological torture and a disruptor of family routines and social lifestyles. They also reported self-isolation due to the stigma that they faced in the course of caring for their children and a need for informational, psychosocial, spiritual and financial support. CONCLUSION Caregivers of Malawian children with cancer experience physical and psychosocial challenges as they are caring for their children with cancer. Developing appropriate interventions would enable nurses to offer optimal support to these caregivers in dealing with these challenges and meeting their needs effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lophina Phiri
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinNew TerritoriesHong Kong
| | - William Ho Cheung Li
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinNew TerritoriesHong Kong
| | - Patrick G. M. C. Phiri
- Institute of Applied Technology, Fatima College of Health SciencesAl AinAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Ankie Tan Cheung
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinNew TerritoriesHong Kong
| | | | | | - Sellina Lemon
- Baylor College of Medicine Childrens Foundation, Global HOPE ProjectLilongweMalawi
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3
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Wong CL, Phiri PGMC, Chan CWH, Tse M. Nurses' and Families' perceptions and practices and factors influencing the implementation of family-centred care for hospitalised children and their families. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:6662-6676. [PMID: 37097007 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore the perceptions of family-centred care among nurses and the family members of hospitalised children and investigate the facilitators of and barriers to the implementation of family-centred care in Malawi. BACKGROUND In Malawi, approximately 34% of children have long-term illnesses that require hospitalisation. Family-centred care ensures that the delivery of healthcare is grounded in partnerships between healthcare providers, patients and their families, which can improve the psychological well-being of families. However, there is lack a good understanding of how families and nurses perceive this concept, its facilitators and the barriers. DESIGN This was an exploratory qualitative study. Data were analysed deductively and inductively using the five-step qualitative content analysis method. METHODS Twenty-nine nurses and 31 families were recruited. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured and face-to-face individual interviews. The study was reported using the COREQ checklist. RESULTS Both nurses and families of hospitalised children recognised the importance of nurse-family partnerships in family-centred care. Four themes emerged as follows: Perceptions of family-centred care, elements of family-centred care, facilitators of family-centred care and barriers to family-centred care. Specific information to families and the religious beliefs of families were identified as important facilitator and barrier to family-centred care, respectively. CONCLUSION The implementation of family-centred care is promising in Malawi, as it is positively perceived by nurses and families, and its implementation is consistent with the Institute for Patient and Family-Centred Care Framework. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Our findings present the best practices, gaps and challenges in the context of a low-income country regrading implementation of family-centred care. Education programmes on family-centred care are crucial for sustaining the current gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho Lee Wong
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Patrick G M C Phiri
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Applied Technoly, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Carmen W H Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mankei Tse
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Asiimwe JB, Nagendrappa PB, Atukunda EC, Nambozi G, Tolo CU, Ogwang PE, Kamatenesi MM. The meaning of caring for patients with cancer among traditional medicine practitioners in Uganda: A grounded theory approach. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001764. [PMID: 37459297 PMCID: PMC10351711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) are a critical part of healthcare systems in many sub-Saharan African countries and play vital roles in caring for patients with cancer. Despite some progress in describing TMPs' caring experiences in abstract terms, literature about practice models in Africa remains limited. This study aimed to develop a substantive theory to clarify the care provided by TMPs to patients with cancer in Uganda. This study adhered to the principal features of the modified Straussian grounded theory design. Participants were 18 TMPs caring for patients with cancer from 10 districts in Uganda, selected by purposive and theoretical sampling methods. Researcher-administered in-depth interviews were conducted, along with three focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. The core category that represented TMPs' meaning of caring for patients with cancer was "Restoring patients' hope in life through individualizing care." TMPs restored patients' hope through five main processes: 1) ensuring continuity in the predecessors' role; 2) having full knowledge of a patient's cancer disease; 3) restoring hope in life; 4) customizing or individualizing care, and 5) improving the patient's condition/health. Despite practice challenges, the substantive theory suggests that TMPs restore hope for patients with cancer in a culturally sensitive manner, which may partly explain why patients with cancer continue to seek their services. The findings of this study may guide research, education, and public health policy to advance traditional medicine in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Baptist Asiimwe
- Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Aga Khan University, Uganda Campus, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Esther C. Atukunda
- Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Grace Nambozi
- Department of Nursing, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Casim Umba Tolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Patrick E. Ogwang
- Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Holmes DM, Matatiyo A, Mpasa A, Huibers MHW, Manda G, Tomoka T, Mulenga M, Namazzi R, Mehta P, Zobeck M, Mzikamanda R, Chintagumpala M, Allen C, Nuchtern JG, Borgstein E, Aronson DC, Ozuah N, Nandi B, McAtee CL. Outcomes of Wilms tumor therapy in Lilongwe, Malawi, 2016-2021: Successes and ongoing research priorities. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30242. [PMID: 36798020 PMCID: PMC10698850 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wilms tumor therapy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) relies on treatment protocols adapted to resource limitations, but these protocols have rarely been evaluated in real-world settings. Such evaluations are necessary to identify high-impact research priorities for clinical and implementation trials in LMICs. The purpose of this study was to identify highest priority targets for future clinical and implementation trials in sub-Saharan Africa by assessing outcomes of a resource-adapted treatment protocol in Malawi. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children treated for Wilms tumor with an adapted SIOP-backbone protocol in Lilongwe, Malawi between 2016 and 2021. Survival analysis assessed variables associated with poor outcome with high potential for future research and intervention. RESULTS We identified 136 patients, most commonly with stage III (n = 35; 25.7%) or IV disease (n = 35; 25.7%). Two-year event-free survival (EFS) was 54% for stage I/II, 51% for stage III, and 13% for stage IV. A single patient with stage V disease survived to 1 year. Treatment abandonment occurred in 36 (26.5%) patients. Radiotherapy was indicated for 55 (40.4%), among whom three received it. Of these 55 patients, 2-year EFS was 31%. Of 14 patients with persistent metastatic pulmonary disease at the time of nephrectomy, none survived to 2 years. Notable variables independently associated with survival were severe acute malnutrition (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.9), increasing tumor stage (HR: 1.5), and vena cava involvement (HR: 3.1). CONCLUSION High-impact targets for clinical and implementation trials in low-resource settings include treatment abandonment, late presentation, and approaches optimized for healthcare systems with persistently unavailable radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Holmes
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Apatsa Matatiyo
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Atupele Mpasa
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Minke H W Huibers
- Department of Outreach, Princess Maxima Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Geoffrey Manda
- Global Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tamiwe Tomoka
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Maurice Mulenga
- Department of Pathology, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ruth Namazzi
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Parth Mehta
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mark Zobeck
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rizine Mzikamanda
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Carl Allen
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jed G Nuchtern
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eric Borgstein
- Department of Surgery, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Daniel C Aronson
- Department of Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nmazuo Ozuah
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bip Nandi
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Casey L McAtee
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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6
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Cotache-Condor C, Kantety V, Grimm A, Williamson J, Landrum KR, Schroeder K, Staton C, Majaliwa E, Tang S, Rice HE, Smith ER. Determinants of delayed childhood cancer care in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30175. [PMID: 36579761 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Early access to care is essential to improve survival rates for childhood cancer. This study evaluates the determinants of delays in childhood cancer care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through a systematic review of the literature. We proposed a novel Three-Delay framework specific to childhood cancer in LMICs by summarizing 43 determinants and 24 risk factors of delayed cancer care from 95 studies. Traditional medicine, household income, lack of transportation, rural population, parental education, and travel distance influenced most domains of our framework. Our novel framework can be used as a policy tool toward improving cancer care and outcomes for children in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinootna Kantety
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Andie Grimm
- Birmingham's Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Kelsey R Landrum
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristin Schroeder
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Catherine Staton
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Esther Majaliwa
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Shenglan Tang
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Henry E Rice
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily R Smith
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Chakumatha E, Khofi H, Landman L, Weijers J, Bailey S, Chagaluka G, Molyneux E, Israels T. Towards zero percent treatment abandonment of patients with common and curable childhood cancer types in Blantyre, Malawi. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29899. [PMID: 35869892 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment abandonment is a common cause of treatment failure in low-income countries (LIC). We implemented a comprehensive package of interventions aiming to enable all families to complete the treatment of their child. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of those interventions. PROCEDURE In this prospective and historically controlled study, we included all children younger than 16 years with a newly diagnosed common and curable cancer type (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia [ALL], Hodgkin disease, Wilms tumour, retinoblastoma and Burkitt lymphoma) admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, between 1 June 1 2019 and 1 June 1 2020. Interventions to enable treatment completion included full funding of costs to the family (treatment, transport, accommodation and food in the hospital) and tracking of patients if they did not attend treatment appointments. The outcomes of patients were compared with those of a similar historical cohort. RESULTS The intervention cohort of 150 patients were compared to 264 historical control patients. Treatment abandonment decreased significantly from 19% (49/264) to 7% (10/150) (p < .001). The proportion of patients with Wilms tumour, retinoblastoma or ALL alive without evidence of disease at the end of treatment increased from 38% (57/149) to 53% (44/83) (p = .03). CONCLUSION A simple and relatively low-cost comprehensive intervention package with no costs for families, significantly decreased treatment abandonment. This strategy may increase survival of children with common and curable cancers in LIC, especially when coupled with improvements in access to treatment and quality of treatment, including supportive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Chakumatha
- Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Harriet Khofi
- Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Lisa Landman
- Academy Outreach and Department of Solid Tumours, Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Janna Weijers
- Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Academy Outreach and Department of Solid Tumours, Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Bailey
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Sir James Spence Institute of Child Health, Royal Victoria Infirmary Queen, Newcastle, UK
| | - George Chagaluka
- Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Elizabeth Molyneux
- Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Trijn Israels
- Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Academy Outreach and Department of Solid Tumours, Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Tilly AE, Ellis GK, Chen JS, Manda A, Salima A, Mtangwanika A, Tewete B, Kaimila B, Kasonkanji E, Kayira E, Chikasema M, Nyirenda R, Bingo S, Chiyoyola S, Seguin R, Gopal S, Zuze T, Tomoka T, Westmoreland KD. Implementation and Evaluation of Educational Videos to Improve Cancer Knowledge and Patient Empowerment. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100315. [PMID: 35175832 PMCID: PMC8863121 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Low health literacy is a leading cause of treatment abandonment among patients receiving cancer care at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Malawi. METHODS We developed cancer educational videos featuring Malawian providers and played them in the KCH oncology clinic. The videos addressed cancer-related topics, including disease biology, common myths, diagnostic procedures, treatment, side effects, and survivorship. After 6 months of implementation, we compared results from 50 pre- and postintervention surveys to assess change in cancer knowledge and care experience. RESULTS Both pre- and postintervention cancer knowledge were good: a median of nine questions were answered correctly of 11 in both assessments. Despite the intervention, most continued to incorrectly identify cancer as an infection (pre: n = 26, 52%; post: n = 25, 50%; P = 1.0), although improvements were observed in patients' knowledge of correct actions for fever at home (pre: n = 38, 76%; post: n = 43, 86%; P = .31). Care experiences were overall good. Postintervention results indicate that more patients felt always listened to by their providers (pre: n = 18, 36%; post: n = 29, 58%; P < .01). However, we also noted a higher rate of patient dissatisfaction of care as more patients felt that they could not understand chemotherapy counseling (pre: n = 11, 22%; post: n = 22, 44%; P < .01). Assessments of video satisfaction indicate that patients found the videos very helpful in terms of understanding their disease (n = 47, 96%) and side effects (n = 48, 98%) and felt empowered to speak up with their providers (n = 46, 96%). CONCLUSION Standardized education materials for patients that can be feasibly implemented throughout sub-Saharan Africa are urgently needed. Cancer educational videos are a low-cost way to educate and empower patients with cancer in resource-constrained settings although in-person discussions remain a crucial part of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa E. Tilly
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Jane S. Chen
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Satish Gopal
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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9
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Schroeder K, Maiarana J, Gisiri M, Joo E, Muiruri C, Zullig L, Masalu N, Vasudevan L. Caregiver Acceptability of Mobile Phone Use for Pediatric Cancer Care in Tanzania: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2021; 4:e27988. [PMID: 34889763 PMCID: PMC8701707 DOI: 10.2196/27988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a 60% survival gap between children diagnosed with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and those in high-income countries. Low caregiver knowledge about childhood cancer and its treatment results in presentation delays and subsequent treatment abandonment in LMICs. However, in-person education to improve caregiver knowledge can be challenging due to health worker shortages and inadequate training. Due to the rapid expansion of mobile phone use worldwide, mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer an alternative to delivering in-person education. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to assess patterns of mobile phone ownership and use among Tanzanian caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer as well as their acceptability of an mHealth intervention for cancer education, patient communication, and care coordination. METHODS In July 2017, caregivers of children <18 years diagnosed with cancer and receiving treatment at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) were surveyed to determine mobile phone ownership, use patterns, technology literacy, and acceptability of mobile phone use for cancer education, patient communication, and care coordination. Descriptive statistics were generated from the survey data by using mean and SD values for continuous variables and percentages for binary or categorical variables. RESULTS All eligible caregivers consented to participate and completed the survey. Of the 40 caregivers who enrolled in the study, most used a mobile phone (n=34, 85%) and expressed high acceptability in using these devices to communicate with a health care provider regarding treatment support (n=39, 98%), receiving laboratory results (n=37, 93%), receiving reminders for upcoming appointments (n=38, 95%), and receiving educational information on cancer (n=35, 88%). Although only 9% (3/34) of mobile phone owners owned phones with smartphone capabilities, about 74% (25/34) self-reported they could view and read SMS text messages. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess patterns of mobile phone ownership and use among caregivers of children with cancer in Tanzania. The high rate of mobile phone ownership and caregiver acceptability for a mobile phone-based education and communication strategy suggests that a mobile phone-based intervention, particularly one that utilizes SMS technology, could be feasible in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Schroeder
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Oncology, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania.,Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - James Maiarana
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Mwitasrobert Gisiri
- Department of Oncology, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Emma Joo
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Charles Muiruri
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Leah Zullig
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.,Durham Veterans Affairs Center of Innovation to Accelerate and Practice Transformation, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nestory Masalu
- Department of Oncology, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Lavanya Vasudevan
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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10
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Moleti ML, Testi AM, Foà R. Childhood aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in low-middle-income countries. Br J Haematol 2021; 196:849-863. [PMID: 34866182 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In high-income countries (HICs) paediatric aggressive B-cell lymphomas are curable in about 90% of cases. Much worse results, with cure rates ranging from less than 30% to about 70%, are achieved in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 90% of paediatric non-Hodgkin lymphomas occur. Low socio-economic and cultural conditions, the lack of optimal diagnostic procedures, laboratory facilities and adequate supportive care exert a strong negative impact on compliance, treatment delivery, toxicity and, consequently, on the clinical outcome. Published data are scarce, generally originating from single institutions, and are difficult to compare. National and international cooperation projects have been undertaken to reduce the unacceptable gap between HICs and LMICs in the management of children with cancer, by promoting the sharing of knowledge and by implementing adequate local healthcare facilities, with initial promising results. In the present review, we will summarize the results so far obtained in the management of paediatric aggressive B-cell NHL in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Moleti
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Testi
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy
| | - Robin Foà
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, 'Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy
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11
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Dickerson JC, Ibeka P, Inoyo I, Oke OO, Adewuyi SA, Barry D, Bello A, Fasawe O, Garrity P, Habeebu M, Huang FW, Mulema V, Nwankwo KC, Remen D, Wiwa O, Bhatt AS, Roy M. Implementing Patient-Directed Cancer Education Materials Across Nigeria. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1610-1619. [PMID: 34860566 PMCID: PMC8654433 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
As access to cancer care expands in low-income countries, developing tools to educate patients is paramount. We took a picture booklet, which was initially developed by the nonprofit Global Oncology for Malawi and Rwanda, and adapted it for use in Nigeria. The primary goal was to assess acceptability and provide education. The secondary goals were (1) to describe the collaboration, (2) to assess knowledge gained from the intervention, (3) to assess patient understanding of their therapy intent, and (4) to explore patient's experiences via qualitative analysis. In this cross-continent collaboration supported by @StanfordCIGH, low literacy-friendly cancer education booklets developed by @GlobalOnc increased awareness and knowledge about cancer treatment in 4 diverse sites in Nigeria.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Dickerson
- Department of Medicine (Hematology and Oncology), Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Paulette Ibeka
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | - Itoro Inoyo
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | | | - Sunday A Adewuyi
- Oncology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Abubakar Bello
- Radiotherapy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olufunke Fasawe
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Vivienne Mulema
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Owens Wiwa
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | - Ami S Bhatt
- Global Oncology Inc, Oakland, CA.,Department of Medicine (Hematology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation) and of Genetics, Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.,Global Oncology, Oakland, CA
| | - Mohana Roy
- Department of Medicine, Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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12
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Jane Bates M, Gordon MRP, Gordon SB, Tomeny EM, Muula AS, Davies H, Morris C, Manthalu G, Namisango E, Masamba L, Henrion MYR, MacPherson P, Squire SB, Niessen LW. Palliative care and catastrophic costs in Malawi after a diagnosis of advanced cancer: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e1750-e1757. [PMID: 34756183 PMCID: PMC8600125 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00408-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inclusive universal health coverage requires access to quality health care without financial barriers. Receipt of palliative care after advanced cancer diagnosis might reduce household poverty, but evidence from low-income and middle-income settings is sparse. METHODS In this prospective study, the primary objective was to investigate total household costs of cancer-related health care after a diagnosis of advanced cancer, with and without the receipt of palliative care. Households comprising patients and their unpaid family caregiver were recruited into a cohort study at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi, between Jan 16 and July 31, 2019. Costs of cancer-related health-care use (including palliative care) and health-related quality-of-life were recorded over 6 months. Regression analysis explored associations between receipt of palliative care and total household costs on health care as a proportion of household income. Catastrophic costs, defined as 20% or more of total household income, sale of assets and loans taken out (dissaving), and their association with palliative care were computed. FINDINGS We recruited 150 households. At 6 months, data from 89 (59%) of 150 households were available, comprising 89 patients (median age 50 years, 79% female) and 64 caregivers (median age 40 years, 73% female). Patients in 55 (37%) of the 150 households died and six (4%) were lost to follow-up. 19 (21%) of 89 households received palliative care. Catastrophic costs were experienced by nine (47%) of 19 households who received palliative care versus 48 (69%) of 70 households who did not (relative risk 0·69, 95% CI 0·42 to 1·14, p=0·109). Palliative care was associated with substantially reduced dissaving (median US$11, IQR 0 to 30 vs $34, 14 to 75; p=0·005). The mean difference in total household costs on cancer-related health care with receipt of palliative care was -36% (95% CI -94 to 594; p=0·707). INTERPRETATION Vulnerable households in low-income countries are subject to catastrophic health-related costs following a diagnosis of advanced cancer. Palliative care might result in reduced dissaving in these households. Further consideration of the economic benefits of palliative care is justified. FUNDING Wellcome Trust; National Institute for Health Research; and EMMS International.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Jane Bates
- Department of Family Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Miriam R P Gordon
- Department of Economics, Global Development Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen B Gordon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ewan M Tomeny
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Adamson S Muula
- Department of Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Helena Davies
- Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, London, UK
| | - Claire Morris
- Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, London, UK
| | - Gerald Manthalu
- Department of Planning, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Eve Namisango
- African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Leo Masamba
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Marc Y R Henrion
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Peter MacPherson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - S Bertel Squire
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Louis W Niessen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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13
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Chagaluka G, Afungchwi GM, Landman L, Njuguna F, Hesseling P, Tchintseme F, Sung L, Paintsil V, Molyneux E, Chitsike I, Israels T. Treatment abandonment: A report from the collaborative African network for childhood cancer care and research-CANCaRe Africa. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29367. [PMID: 34549506 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Treatmentabandonment' is a common and preventable cause of childhood cancer treatment failure in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Risk factors and effective interventions in LMIC are reported. Poverty and costs of treatment are perceived as overriding causes in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to study potential determinants of treatment abandonment, including aspects of treatment costs in sub-Saharan Africa, to be better informed for planned future interventions. METHODS A multicentre, prospective, observational, cohort study was conducted in five hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa. Children younger than 16 years with newly diagnosed cancer treated as inpatient with curative intent were included. The occurrence of treatment abandonment and potential determinants including aspects of treatment costs were documented during the first 3 months of treatment. RESULTS We included 252 patients (median age 6.0, range 0.2-15.0 years, 54% male). The most common cancer was Burkitt lymphoma (63/252, 25%). Seven percent of patients (18 of 252) abandoned treatment. Two thirds (65%, 163/252) of patients had to borrow money to reach the hospital for the diagnosis and start of treatment. Treatment abandonment occurred more frequently in families who had to borrow money (16/163, 10%) versus those who did not (2/89, 2%; p = .026). CONCLUSIONS Limiting costs for families and improved counselling may reduce treatment abandonment. Development and implementation of interventions to reduce treatment abandonment are required in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Chagaluka
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Glenn Mbah Afungchwi
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Hospitals in Mutengene, Mbingo and Banso, Mbingo, Cameroon
| | - Lisa Landman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Festus Njuguna
- Moi University/Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Peter Hesseling
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Francine Tchintseme
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Hospitals in Mutengene, Mbingo and Banso, Mbingo, Cameroon
| | - Lillian Sung
- Division of Haematology/Oncology and Program in Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vivian Paintsil
- Department of Child Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Elizabeth Molyneux
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Trijn Israels
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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14
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Atwiine B, Busingye I, Kyarisiima R, Baluku E, Mbabazi R, Bamwine B, Ankunda S, Libes J, Weinstein H, Schwartz K, Kiwanuka G. "Money was the problem": Caregivers' self-reported reasons for abandoning their children's cancer treatment in southwest Uganda. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29311. [PMID: 34459106 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment abandonment contributes significantly to poor survival of children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In order to inform an approach to this problem, we investigated why caregivers withdraw their children from treatment. METHODS In a qualitative study, carried out in October and November 2020, in-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers of children who had abandoned cancer treatment at the Pediatric Cancer Unit of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in south-western Uganda. Recorded in-depth interviews were transcribed and analyzed to identify themes of caregivers' self-reported reasons for treatment abandonment. The study was approved by the Review and Ethics Committee of Mbarara University of Science and Technology. RESULTS Seventy-seven out of 343 (22.4%) children diagnosed with cancer abandoned treatment during the study period; 20 contactable and consenting caregivers participated in the study. The median age of the caregivers was 37 years and most (65%) were mothers. At the time of this study, eight (40%) children were alive and five (62.5%) were males; with a median age of 6.5 years. Financial difficulty, other obligations, the child falsely appearing cured, preference for alternative treatments, belief that cancer was incurable, fear that the child's death was imminent and chemotherapy side effects were the caregivers' reasons for treatment abandonment. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION Seeking cancer treatment for children in Uganda is an expensive venture and treatment abandonment is mainly caused by caregivers' difficult socio-economic circumstances. This problem needs to be approached with empathy and support rather than blame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnabas Atwiine
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Imelda Busingye
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Rose Kyarisiima
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Baluku
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Ruth Mbabazi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Brian Bamwine
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Siyadora Ankunda
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jaime Libes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - Howard Weinstein
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin Schwartz
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gertrude Kiwanuka
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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15
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Ellis GK, Chapman H, Manda A, Salima A, Itimu S, Banda G, Seguin R, Manda G, Butia M, Huibers M, Ozuah N, Tilly A, Stover AM, Basch E, Gopal S, Reeve BB, Westmoreland KD. Pediatric lymphoma patients in Malawi present with poor health-related quality of life at diagnosis and improve throughout treatment and follow-up across all Pediatric PROMIS-25 domains. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29257. [PMID: 34339099 PMCID: PMC8497011 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-reportedoutcomes (PROs) that assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are increasingly important components of cancer care and research that are infrequently used in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS We administered the Chichewa Pediatric Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Pediatric (PROMIS)-25 at diagnosis, active treatment, and follow-up among pediatric lymphoma patients in Lilongwe, Malawi. Mean scores were calculated for the six PROMIS-25 HRQoL domains (Mobility, Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms, Fatigue, Peer Relationships, Pain Interference). Differences in HRQoL throughout treatment were compared using the minimally important difference (MID) and an ANOVA analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox hazard ratios for mortality are reported. RESULTS Seventy-five children completed PROMIS-25 surveys at diagnosis, 35 (47%) during active treatment, and 24 (32%) at follow-up. The majority of patients died (n = 37, 49%) or were lost to follow-up (n = 6, 8%). Most (n = 51, 68%) were male, median age was 10 (interquartile range [IQR] 8-12), 48/73 (66%) presented with advanced stage III/IV, 61 (81%) were diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma and 14 (19%) Hodgkin lymphoma. At diagnosis, HRQoL was poor across all domains, except for Peer Relationships. Improvements in HRQoL during active treatment and follow-up exceeded the MID. On exploratory analysis, fair-poor PROMIS Mobility <40 and severe Pain Intensity = 10 at diagnosis were associated with increased mortality risk and worse survival, but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric lymphoma patients in Malawi present with poor HRQoL that improves throughout treatment and survivorship. Baseline PROMIS scores may provide important prognostic information. PROs offer an opportunity to include patient voices and prioritize holistic patient-centered care in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hutton Chapman
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Salama Itimu
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Geoffrey Manda
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mercy Butia
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Minke Huibers
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Houston, Texas, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nmazuo Ozuah
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Houston, Texas, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alyssa Tilly
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Angela M Stover
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ethan Basch
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Satish Gopal
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bryce B Reeve
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine D Westmoreland
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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16
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Haematological malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa: east Africa as an example for improving care. LANCET HAEMATOLOGY 2021; 8:e756-e769. [PMID: 34481552 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(21)00198-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Haematological malignancies account for almost 10% of all cancers diagnosed in sub-Saharan Africa, although the exact incidences and treatment outcomes are difficult to discern because population-based cancer registries in the region are still underdeveloped. More research on haematological malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa is required to establish whether these cancers have a natural history similar to those diagnosed in high-income countries, about which more is known. Several factors negatively affect the outcome of haematological malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa, showcasing a need for improved understanding of the clinicobiological profile of these cancers to facilitate prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment through increased capacity building, infrastructure, community awareness, coordinated resource mobilisation, and collaboration across the world. The east African governments have pooled resources for common investments to tackle non-communicable diseases, developing the East Africa's Centres of Excellence for Skills and Tertiary Education project funded by the African Development Bank, an initiative that could be replicated for the care of haematological malignancies in other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. TRANSLATION: For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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17
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Amayiri N, Bouffet E. Treatment abandonment and refusal among children with central nervous system tumors in Jordan. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29054. [PMID: 34022111 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment abandonment and refusal are reported to contribute significantly to poor survival of children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to assess this phenomenon among children diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) tumors in Jordan. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of children <18 years diagnosed with CNS tumors (2010-2020). Patients who abandoned or refused part of treatment were reviewed for their clinical characteristics, social circumstances, and possible reasons. We excluded patients referred for second opinion, radiotherapy only, or who traveled abroad for treatment. RESULTS Four hundred seventy-three Jordanian children were identified; 12 families (2.5%) abandoned treatment, and 15 refused part of therapy (3%). Most patients were females (67%) and most had good or moderate performance status (89%). Most families (93%) lived within 2 hours from King Hussein Cancer Center. Most parents were university graduates (71%) and all fathers were employed, while 71% of mothers were housewives. The most common reasons to abandon or refuse therapy were treatment intensity in view of poor tumor outcome or bad quality of life, conflicting recommendations from other health care providers, "personal beliefs" against chemotherapy, and preference to use alternative medicine. CONCLUSIONS Treatment abandonment and refusal in Jordanian children with CNS tumors is low. Universal cancer insurance, high level of education in the country, centralized cancer care in one institution, and the twinning program likely contributed to our low incidence. Improving knowledge on CNS tumors and better community rehabilitation and supportive services may help further decrease the abandonment and treatment refusal rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisreen Amayiri
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eric Bouffet
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Ellis GK, Manda A, Topazian H, Stanley CC, Seguin R, Minnick CE, Tewete B, Mtangwanika A, Chawinga M, Chiyoyola S, Chikasema M, Salima A, Kimani S, Kasonkanji E, Mithi V, Kaimila B, Painschab MS, Gopal S, Westmoreland KD. Feasibility of upfront mobile money transfers for transportation reimbursement to promote retention among patients receiving lymphoma treatment in Malawi. Int Health 2021; 13:297-304. [PMID: 33037426 PMCID: PMC8079308 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaa075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remain suboptimal, in part due to poor patient retention. Many patients travel long distances to receive care, and transportation costs are often prohibitively expensive. These are well-known and established causes of delayed treatment and care abandonment in Malawi and across SSA. METHODS We sent visit reminder texts and offered upfront money to cover transportation costs through a mobile money transfer (MMT) platform to lymphoma patients enrolled in a prospective cohort in Malawi. The primary aim was to test the feasibility of upfront MMTs. RESULTS We sent 1034 visit reminder texts to 189 participating patients. Of these texts, 614 (59%) were successfully delivered, with 536 (52%) responses. 320/536 (60%) MMTs were sent to interested patients and 312/320 (98%) came to their appointment on time. Of 189 total patients, 120 (63%) were reached via text and 84 (44%) received MMTs a median of three times (IQR 2-5). Median age of reachable patients was 41 (IQR 30-50), 75 (63%) were male, 62 (52%) were HIV+ and 79 (66%) resided outside of Lilongwe. CONCLUSION MMTs were a feasible way to cover upfront transportation costs for patients reachable via text, however many of our patients were unreachable. Future studies exploring barriers to care, particularly among unreachable patients, may help improve the efficacy of MMT initiatives and guide retention strategies throughout SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hillary Topazian
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stephen Kimani
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Matthew S Painschab
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Satish Gopal
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Global Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Katherine D Westmoreland
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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19
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Palagyi A, Balane C, Shanthosh J, Jun M, Bhoo-Pathy N, Gadsden T, Canfell K, Jan S. Treatment abandonment in children with cancer: Does a sex difference exist? A systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence from low- and middle-income countries. Int J Cancer 2020; 148:895-904. [PMID: 32875569 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In this systematic review and meta-analyses, we sought to determine sex-disparities in treatment abandonment in children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and identify the characteristics of children and their families most disadvantaged by such abandonment. Sex-disaggregated data on treatment abandonment were collated from the available literature and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to compare the rates in girls with those in boys. Subgroup analyses were conducted in which studies were stratified by design, cancer type and the Gender Inequality Index of the country of study. Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review and of these studies, 16 qualified for the meta-analysis, representing 10 754 children. The pooled rate of treatment abandonment overall was 30%. We observed no difference in the proportion of treatment abandonment in girls relative to estimates observed in boys (rate ratio [RR] 0.95, 95% CI: 0.79-1.15; P = .61). There was significant heterogeneity across the included studies and in the pooled estimate of RR for girls vs boys (both I2 > 98%). Subgroup analyses did not reveal any effect on abandonment risk. Risk factors for abandonment observed fell into three main categories: socio-demographic; geographic; and travel-related. In conclusion, a high rate of treatment abandonment (30%) was observed overall for children with cancer in included studies in LMICs, although this was variable and context specific. No evidence of gender bias in childhood cancer treatment abandonment rates across LMICs was found. Given that the risk factors for abandonment are context specific, in-depth country-level analyses may provide further insights into the role of a child's gender in treatment abandonment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Palagyi
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christine Balane
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janani Shanthosh
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Australian Human Rights Institute, Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Min Jun
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thomas Gadsden
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karen Canfell
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Price of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen Jan
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Bates MJ, Muula A, Gordon SB, Henrion MYR, Tomeny E, MacPherson P, Squire B, Niessen L. Study protocol for a single-centre observational study of household wellbeing and poverty status following a diagnosis of advanced cancer in Blantyre, Malawi - 'Safeguarding the Family' study. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:2. [PMID: 32161817 PMCID: PMC7047920 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15633.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many households in low-and-middle income countries face the additional burden of crippling out-of-pocket expenditure when faced with a diagnosis of life-limiting illness. Available evidence suggests that receipt of palliative care supports cost-savings for cancer-affected households. This study will explore the relationship between receipt of palliative care, total household out-of-pocket expenditure on health and wellbeing following a first-time diagnosis of advanced cancer at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. Protocol: Patients and their primary family caregivers will be recruited at the time of cancer diagnosis. Data on healthcare utilisation, related costs, coping strategies and wellbeing will be gathered using new and existing questionnaires (the Patient-and-Carer Cancer Cost Survey, EQ-5D-3L and the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Score). Surveys will be repeated at one, three and six months after diagnosis. In the event of the patient’s death, a brief five-item questionnaire on funeral costs will be administered to caregivers not less than two weeks following the date of death. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses will assess the relationship between exposure to palliative care and total household expenditure from baseline to six months. A sample size of 138 households has been calculated in order to detect a medium effect (as determined by Cohen’s f
2=0.15) of receipt of palliative care in a regression model for change in total household out-of-pocket expenditure as a proportion of annual household income. Ethics and dissemination: The study has received ethical approval. Results will be reported using STROBE guidelines and disseminated through scientific meetings, open access publications and a national stakeholder meeting. Conclusions: This study will provide data on expenditure for healthcare by households affected by advanced cancer in Malawi. We also explore whether receipt of palliative care is associated with a reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure at household level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Jane Bates
- University of Malawi College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Blantyre 3, Malawi.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Adamson Muula
- University of Malawi College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Stephen B Gordon
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.,Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, P O Box 30096, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Marc Y R Henrion
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.,Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, P O Box 30096, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Ewan Tomeny
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Peter MacPherson
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.,Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, P O Box 30096, Blantyre 3, Malawi.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Bertel Squire
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Louis Niessen
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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Bates MJ, Muula A, Gordon SB, Henrion MY, Tomeny E, MacPherson P, Squire B, Niessen L. Study protocol for a single-centre observational study of household wellbeing and poverty status following a diagnosis of advanced cancer in Blantyre, Malawi - ‘Safeguarding the Family’ study. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:2. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15633.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many households in low-and-middle income countries face the additional burden of crippling out-of-pocket expenditure when faced with a diagnosis of life-limiting illness. Available evidence suggests that receipt of palliative care supports cost-savings for cancer-affected households. This study will explore the relationship between receipt of palliative care, total household out-of-pocket expenditure on health and wellbeing following a first-time diagnosis of advanced cancer at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. Protocol: Patients and their primary family caregivers will be recruited at the time of cancer diagnosis. Data on healthcare utilisation, related costs, coping strategies and wellbeing will be gathered using new and existing questionnaires (the Patient-and-Carer Cancer Cost Survey, EQ-5D-3L and the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Score). Surveys will be repeated at one, three and six months after diagnosis. In the event of the patient’s death, a brief five-item questionnaire on funeral costs will be administered to caregivers not less than two weeks following the date of death. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses will assess the relationship between exposure to palliative care and total household expenditure from baseline to six months. A sample size of 138 households has been calculated in order to detect a medium effect (as determined by Cohen’s f2=0.15) of receipt of palliative care in a regression model for change in total household out-of-pocket expenditure as a proportion of annual household income. Ethics and dissemination: The study has received ethical approval. Results will be reported using STROBE guidelines and disseminated through scientific meetings, open access publications and a national stakeholder meeting. Conclusions: This study will provide data on expenditure for healthcare by households affected by cancer in Malawi. We also explore whether receipt of palliative care is associated with a reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure at household level.
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Vasquez L, Diaz R, Chavez S, Tarrillo F, Maza I, Hernandez E, Oscanoa M, García J, Geronimo J, Rossell N. Factors associated with abandonment of therapy by children diagnosed with solid tumors in Peru. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:e27007. [PMID: 29431252 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abandonment of treatment is a major cause of treatment failure and poor survival in children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries. The incidence of treatment abandonment in Peru has not been reported. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with treatment abandonment by pediatric patients with solid tumors in Peru. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the sociodemographic and clinical data of children referred between January 2012 and December 2014 to the two main tertiary centers for childhood cancer in Peru. The definition of treatment abandonment followed the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, Paediatric Oncology in Developing Countries, Abandonment of Treatment recommendation. RESULTS Data from 1135 children diagnosed with malignant solid tumors were analyzed, of which 209 (18.4%) abandoned treatment. Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed significantly higher abandonment rates in children living outside the capital city, Lima (forest; odds ratio [OR] 3.25; P < 0.001), those living in a rural setting (OR 3.44; P < 0.001), and those whose parent(s) lacked formal employment (OR 4.39; P = 0.001). According to cancer diagnosis, children with retinoblastoma were more likely to abandon treatment compared to children with other solid tumors (OR 1.79; P = 0.02). In multivariate regression analyses, rural origin (OR 2.02; P = 0.001) and lack of formal parental employment (OR 2.88; P = 0.001) were independently predictive of abandonment. CONCLUSION Treatment abandonment prevalence of solid tumors in Peru is high and closely related to sociodemographical factors. Treatment outcomes could be substantially improved by strategies that help prevent abandonment of therapy based on these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Vasquez
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Hospital, Lima, Peru
| | - Rosdali Diaz
- Pediatric Oncology, National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases, Lima, Peru
| | - Sharon Chavez
- Pediatric Oncology, National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases, Lima, Peru
| | - Fanny Tarrillo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Hospital, Lima, Peru
| | - Ivan Maza
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Hospital, Lima, Peru
| | - Eddy Hernandez
- Pediatric Oncology, National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases, Lima, Peru
| | - Monica Oscanoa
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Hospital, Lima, Peru
| | - Juan García
- Pediatric Oncology, National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases, Lima, Peru
| | - Jenny Geronimo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Hospital, Lima, Peru
| | - Nuria Rossell
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Sciences Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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