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Impact of facilitating continued accessibility to cancer care during COVID-19 lockdown on perceived wellbeing of cancer patients at a rural cancer center in Rwanda

Author

Listed:
  • Anne Niyigena
  • Vincent K Cubaka
  • Pacifique Uwamahoro
  • Robert Gatsinzi Mutsinzi
  • Benigne Uwizeye
  • Blandine Mukamasabo
  • Cyprien Shyirambere
  • Bosco Jean Bigirimana
  • Joel Mubiligi
  • Dale A Barnhart

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda, Partners In Health Inshuti Mu Buzima collaborated with the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE) to mitigate disruptions to cancer care by providing patients with free transportation to treatment sites and medication delivery at patients’ local health facilities. We assessed the relationship between facilitated access to care and self-reported wellbeing outcomes. This cross-sectional telephone survey included cancer patients enrolled at BCCOE in March 2020. We used linear regression to compare six dimensions of quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and financial toxicity (COST) among patients who did and did not receive facilitated access to care. We also assessed access to cancer care and whether patient wellbeing and its association with facilitated access to care differed by socioeconomic status. Of 214 respondents, 34.6% received facilitated access to care. Facilitated patients were more likely to have breast cancer and be on chemotherapy. Facilitation was significantly associated with more frequent in-person clinical encounters, improved perceived quality of cancer care, and reduced transportation-related barriers. Facilitated patients had significantly better global health status (β = 9.14, 95% CI: 2.3, 16.0, p

Suggested Citation

  • Anne Niyigena & Vincent K Cubaka & Pacifique Uwamahoro & Robert Gatsinzi Mutsinzi & Benigne Uwizeye & Blandine Mukamasabo & Cyprien Shyirambere & Bosco Jean Bigirimana & Joel Mubiligi & Dale A Barnhar, 2023. "Impact of facilitating continued accessibility to cancer care during COVID-19 lockdown on perceived wellbeing of cancer patients at a rural cancer center in Rwanda," PLOS Global Public Health, Public Library of Science, vol. 3(2), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pgph00:0001534
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001534
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    1. Fahad D. Algahtani & Sehar-un-Nisa Hassan & Bandar Alsaif & Rafat Zrieq, 2021. "Assessment of the Quality of Life during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-12, January.
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