Abstract:

Purpose: To determine prevalence and factors associated with non-adherence to radiotherapy among cancer patients attending Bugando Cancer Center.
Background: Non-adherence to Radiotherapy among cancer patients is a growing concern in healthcare. Non-adherence to Radiotherapy is associated with poor outcomes and compromised treatment effectiveness. Inadvertent treatment interruptions often lead to prolongation of planned treatment time. In the case of radiotherapy with curative intent prolongation of planned treatment has been associated with inferior clinical outcomes. Delay or prolongation of treatment is associated with a relative risk of local recurrence by up to 2% per day for specific malignancies.

Methods and materials: A mixture of retrospective and prospective study was conducted comprising patients who underwent simulation prior to radiotherapy at Bugando Cancer Center from January 2020 to December 2022. Non-adherence was defined as permanent termination of planned treatment by the patient without recommendation or consultation from the treating clinician. All data were collected and analysed with the help of Microsoft excel 2016 astatistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Results: A total of 315 patients were involved in the study of which 39 (12.4%) were non-adherent to planned radiotherapy. Of the 39 patients, 21(53.8%) were elderly (60 years and above). Treatment non-adherence was predominant in females (male:female=1:2). More than 72% of non-adherent were cancer stage 3 and 4. Out of 39 patients 20(57%) encountered radiation induced toxicities and 21(60%) out of 39 patients had financial difficulties. A total 28(71.8%) were more than 50km away from treatment center (BCC).

Conclusion: Treatment adherence is a major factor in determining successful outcomes among cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. This study reveals prevalence and factors that contribute to non-adherence to radiation treatment.