Abstract
Cancer patients in Vietnam are increasing exponentially in numbers, with great demands for psychosocial support. This study explored the demands for the psychosocial support of cancer patients at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital and several associated factors. This is a cross-sectional survey, qualitative and quantitative study, and conducted from April to September 2017. This study utilized the structured questionnaire of 418 cancer patients, 8 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussions. Results of the study showed that cancer patients have different demands for 6 types of psychosocial support services, specifically: visiting about health and family difficulties (86.1%), providing information on supporting networks for cancer patients (75.7%), psychological counseling and consultation (68.4%), psychotherapy (49.9%), Consultation on self-care for appearance (39.1%), and Consultation on social communication (38.6%). Factors associated to cancer patients’ demands for psychosocial support at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital are gender, the number of treatments, and psychological states. In addition, to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital should promote psychosocial support activities for cancer patients, based on associated factors.
Highlights
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally
This study aims to assess demands and factors associated to psychosocial support of cancer patients at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital
The study was conducted at the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, a Vietnamese hospital specialized in tumor treatment under the Ministry of Health
Summary
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. In 2012, there were 8.2 million deaths from in the world. Annual deaths will increase from 14.1 million in 2012 to 21.6 million in 2030. About 75% of cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where the number of cancer cases is increasing most rapidly (World Health Organization (WHO), 2017). According to records about cancer situation in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and some provinces, it is estimated that there are 150,000 new cancer cases annually and 75,000 deaths from cancer in the country. By 2020, there will be about 200,000 new cases and 100,000 deaths from cancer (Ministry of Health, 2015)
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