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. 2022 Feb:8:e2100244.
doi: 10.1200/GO.21.00244.

Patient's Perspective on the Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Treatment in Nigeria

Adedayo Joseph  1 , Bankole Olatosi  2 , Mohammad Rifat Haider  3 , Bolanle C Adegboyega  1 , Nwamaka N Lasebikan  4 , Usman M Aliyu  5 , Musa Ali-Gombe  6 , Mutiu A Jimoh  7   8 , Olusegun Abayomi Biyi-Olutunde  9 , Opeyemi Awofeso  10 , Omolara Aminat Fatiregun  11 , Evaristus Oseiwe Oboh  12 , Emmanuella Nwachukwu  13 , Ismail H Zubairu  14 , Samuel A Otene  15 , Oluwatoyin I Iyare  16 , Temitope Andero  17 , Alabi Babatunde Musbau  18 , Azeezat Ajose  10 , Adedayo A Onitilo  19
Affiliations

Patient's Perspective on the Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Treatment in Nigeria

Adedayo Joseph et al. JCO Glob Oncol. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Purpose: Because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, health care organizations introduced guidelines for modifications to health and cancer medical care delivery to mitigate transmission and ensure quality health outcomes. To examine the extent and impact of these modifications on oncology service disruptions in Nigeria, we surveyed oncology patients across selected public and private cancer treatment centers.

Materials and methods: Participating in the study were 15 tertiary cancer treatment centers across 12 Nigerian states. We recruited adult patients with cancer (18+ years) on active treatment to complete a self-administered survey on cancer care during COVID-19. We conducted descriptive and multivariate data analysis using Stata 16.1.

Results: Respondents were (n = 1,072), female (65.7%), ages 18-49 years (50.3%), and married (80.7%). The top two cancers were breast and prostate. Overall, 17.3% of respondents reported disruptions to cancer care, and more than half (51.0%) reported difficulties accessing care. Changes in chemotherapy regimens or route of administration were reported in 8.4% of respondents. Odds for any disruption were highest for older patients, western states, patients with prostate cancer, and patients with two or more flu symptoms. Odds for radiotherapy cancellation were highest for older patients, those with prostate cancer, and those with medium service perception.

Conclusion: This study investigated COVID-19-influenced cancer treatment disruptions in Nigeria. Patients with cancer experienced significant disruptions to cancer care. Vulnerable patients are most likely to be negatively affected. Policies and strategies aimed at minimizing service disruptions while maintaining cancer patients' safety should be a priority for all health care institutions in the COVID-19 era.

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Conflict of interest statement

Emmanuella NwachukwuHonoraria: Sanofi, PfizerConsulting or Advisory Role: Sanofi, RocheTravel, Accommodations, Expenses: ESMO Adedayo A. OnitiloConsulting or Advisory Role: Kite, a Gilead Company, Envision CommunicationsSpeakers' Bureau: GlaxoSmithKline, Puma Biotechnology, Kite/Gilead, AbbVieNo other potential conflicts of interest were reported.

Figures

FIG 1
FIG 1
Service disruption experienced by patients with cancer.
FIG 2
FIG 2
Multivariable analysis results.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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