Abstract
ContextAlthough cancer and HIV/AIDS are common causes of death in Vietnam, limited data exist on their palliative care needs. As palliative care becomes part of Universal Health Coverage, evidence is needed to scale up appropriate care. ObjectivesTo elicit from people with cancer or HIV/AIDS in Vietnam, and their caregivers, the specific multidimensional symptoms and concerns that cause serious health-related suffering. MethodsSemistructured, qualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted with stage III or IV cancer patients, people with HIV/AIDS, and their caregivers at three cancer treatment centers and two HIV/AIDS treatment centers in northern, central, and southern Vietnam. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsSixty people were interviewed (21 cancer patients, 20 people with HIV/AIDS, 19 caregivers). Pain and other physical symptoms severely impacted their daily lives. Psychological distress—including sadness, depression, worry, and a feeling of having no future—was mentioned frequently, and it was exacerbated by disease progression and by social problems such as financial difficulties and, among people with HIV/AIDS, stigma. Caregivers also suffered physically and psychosocially. Spirituality emerged as a source of strength for patients. Findings highlighted patients' and family caregivers’ desire for more information about diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, a shift toward individual decision-making. ConclusionThe findings demonstrate common, multidimensional, and severe suffering among people living with cancer or HIV/AIDS and their caregivers in Vietnam. These qualitative data should guide development of optimum clinical assessment tools and palliative care services for these populations.
Highlights
Based on the report of the Lancet Commission on Palliative Care and Pain Relief, malignant neoplasms and HIV disease are the conditions that generate theV.A.P. and H.N. are co-first authors
The findings demonstrate common, multidimensional, and severe suffering among people living with cancer or HIV/AIDS and their caregivers in Vietnam
Cancer or HIV/AIDS Palliative Care Needs in Vietnam most need for palliative care in Vietnam.[1]
Summary
Based on the report of the Lancet Commission on Palliative Care and Pain Relief, malignant neoplasms and HIV disease are the conditions that generate theV.A.P. and H.N. are co-first authors. Based on the report of the Lancet Commission on Palliative Care and Pain Relief, malignant neoplasms and HIV disease are the conditions that generate the. Cancer or HIV/AIDS Palliative Care Needs in Vietnam most need for palliative care in Vietnam.[1] In 2018, an estimated 230,000 people were living with HIV in Vietnam, 4700 people died of AIDS, and 5700 people were newly infected.[2] According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 164,671 new cases of cancer were detected in Vietnam in 2018, and 114,871 people died of cancer.[3] Studies from various countries demonstrate that pain, other physical symptoms, and psychosocial and spiritual suffering are common among people with cancer or HIV/AIDS.4e11
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