The socio-economic Impact of Cervical Cancer on Patients in Ethiopia: Evidence from Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH)
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Date
2021-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Ethiopia. The increase of its prevalence has create a burden on cervical cancer patients and it is currently becomes a serious health problem in the country .Nonetheless, research on the socio economic impact of cervical cancer on patients is virtually absent in the country.
Objective: To assess the socio -economic impact of cervical cancer on patients in Tikure Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, and Ethiopia 2021.
Method: Institutional based cross sectional study design was conducted among cervical cancer patients who were attending TASH Oncology Unit from March 1 to 30, 2021. A total of 423 sample populations were interviewed by structured and semi structured questionnaire that fulfil the inclusion criteria. The participants were selected using simple random sampling technique.
The collected data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 24 statistical software package. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was done to evaluate the association of variables.
Result: Out of 423 sampled respondents, 416 agreed to participate in the study and the responserate was 98%. The study revealed that cervical cancer has a social impact on patients in terms of social discrimination (61.8%), loss of body image (63%), loss of sexual functioning (78%) and loss of femininity (89%). In addition, it has also an economic impact in terms of loss of income (45.7%), financial distress due medical and non-medical expenditures (71%), work and employment challenge (66.8%). From multivariate analysis ,it was found out that level of sickness stage and treatment modality were significantly associated with both social and economic impact of cervical cancer on patients.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Cervical cancer has an enormous social and economic impact on patients in terms of social discrimination, loss of body image, loss of sexual functioning, loss of femininity, loss of income, financial distress , work &employment challenge. Hence, efforts on reduction of social discrimination, psychotherapy support and financial support is needed to limit the socioeconomic impact of cervical cancer on patients.
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Cervical Cancer, Social impact and Economic impact