Adequacy of Pain Management among Advanced Cancer Patients with Solid Tumors Attending Palliative Care Centers in Dar Es Salaam
Document Type
Article
Department
Family Medicine (East Africa)
Abstract
Background:
Cancer pain presents a universal challenge for patients and their families, signicantly impacting quality of life. While observational studies suggest an increase in palliative care programs in Tanzania, the adequacy of pain control for cancer patients remains underexplored. Addressing this gap is crucial for enhancing patient well-being and care quality.
Methodology:
This analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from October to December 2021 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, involved 332 advanced cancer patients with solid tumors from the Aga Khan Hospital and Ocean Road Cancer Institute. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising demographic data and factors inuencing cancer-related pain (CRP) management was utilized. Additionally, the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF) assessed pain intensity and interference. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, was performed using SPSS version 25 to evaluate factors associated with adequate CRP management.
Results: Among 332 participants, 199 (59.9%) experienced adequate pain management, with prevalence notably higher among females, patients from Aga Khan Hospital, divorced, employed, and tertiary- educated individuals. Multivariable analysis identied sex, employment status, and education level as signicant predictors of adequate pain management, with females having twice the likelihood of adequacy compared to males (OR: 1.96; 95%CI: 1.06-3.66; p=0.033). Self-employed participants had signicantly lower odds of adequate pain management compared to the employed (OR=0.08; 95%CI: 0.01-0.33; p=0.002), while unemployment was associated with a 91% lower likelihood of adequacy (OR=0.09; 95%CI: 0.01-0.42; p=0.006). Furthermore, individuals with primary education were 2.47 times more likely to report adequate pain management compared to those with nonformal education (OR: 2.47; 95%CI: 1.16-5.43; p=0.021).
Conclusion:The study highlights inadequate CRP management in Tanzania and emphasizes the inuence of patient-related factors such as sex, employment status, and education level. These ndings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to address disparities and enhance pain management strategies for cancer patients. Efforts to improve CRP management should consider sociodemographic factors to optimize care delivery and alleviate patient suffering effectively.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Research Square
DOI
10.21203/rs.3.rs-3921900/v1
Recommended Citation
Mwijage, J.,
Kyejo, W.,
Rubagumya, D.,
Kombo, T.,
Mathew, B.,
Hooda, F.,
Makakala, M.,
Pallangyo, E.,
Chuwa, H.
(2024). Adequacy of Pain Management among Advanced Cancer Patients with Solid Tumors Attending Palliative Care Centers in Dar Es Salaam. Research Square, 1-14.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_fam_med/59
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.