Exploring Factors Influencing Cancer Patients' Understanding of Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Emotional Well-being under Palliative Care: A Cross-sectional Investigation

Abstract

Introduction: The demographic characteristics of cancer patients correlate with their awareness of diagnosis, prognosis, and the psychological distress associated with their condition. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients' knowledge of psychological distress, diagnosis, and prognosis who were presenting to the palliative medicine department of a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Methodology: This cross‐sectional study was conducted among 377 patients living with cancer attending the Department of Palliative Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh from November 2021 and March 2022. Information on the clinical and sociodemographic aspects was gathered through a structured questionnaire and in-person interview, and the degree of distress was measured using a distress thermometer. After information was gathered, descriptive statistics were used to analyze it. Result: Approximately 16.2% of patients were unaware of their diagnosis, with two-thirds (68%) lacking awareness of prognosis. Over half (54.1%) reported significant distress. Gender, education, employment status, and head-and-neck cancer diagnosis were linked to diagnosis awareness, while educational level predicted prognosis awareness. Younger age, head-and-neck or hematological cancer diagnosis and lack of awareness regarding diagnosis and prognosis were associated with distress. Conclusions: Higher education and socioeconomic status correlate with patients' awareness of diagnosis and prognosis. However, distress remains higher among those unaware of prognosis.