TITLE:
Level of Adherence to Cytotoxic Drugs by Breast Cancer Patients’ in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
AUTHORS:
Popoola Abiodun, Samira Makanjuola, Sowunmi Anthonia, Igwilo Adaeze, Mobolaji Oludara, Ibrahim Nasir, Omodele Foluso
KEYWORDS:
Chemotherapy, Adherence, Breast Cancer
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.6 No.4,
April
30,
2015
ABSTRACT: Background: Breast cancer is one of
the most common malignant diseases in women and adjuvant combination
chemotherapy has been shown to reduce mortality from this disease. Adherence to medical treatment is a
multifaceted issue that can substantially alter the outcomes of therapy.
Patient non-adherence to chemotherapy is the ultimate barrier to the treatment
effectiveness. Objective: This study was carried out to determine the
relationship between cancer chemotherapy adherence and breast cancer staging,
patient’s perception of cancer care and patient’s socio-demographic
characteristics. Material and method: This was a cross sectional study
selection of respondents and was based on simple random sampling technique, 184
patients were interviewed and data was collected using a semi-structured
questionnaire to obtain socio-demographic data, adherence data, and
facility-related information. Results: There was a significant association
between marital status and non-adherence (P= 0.013). Both separated and single
subjects had higher proportion of non-adherence compared with married subjects.
Analysis of perception of chemotherapy care revealed a significant association
between the satisfaction score and non-adherence, with non-adherent patients
showing higher scores or being less satisfied. The quality of service (P= 0.0052); rating of needs been met (P= 0.0079); rating on whether the
services helped the subject (P=
0.0405); rating on the general satisfaction of the services provided (P= 0.0115); and rating on whether
subject would seek help again (P=
0.0320) all had a significant association with non-adherence. Conclusion: The
awareness of oncologist and patient of the problem of non-adherence and
communication regarding the importance of adherence to therapy may improve
health outcomes.