Knowledge and Attitude of Cancer Patients Towards COVID-19 Pandemic

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Objectives: This study is done to determine knowledge and attitude of cancer patients towards COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was conducted at Oncology Department, Mayo Hospital Lahore during August-October 2020. A questionnaire was used to determine knowledge and attitude of cancer patients towards COVID-19 pandemic. Data was analyzed using Spss version.23. Descriptive variables like gender, marital status, residence and disease characteristics were reported as means and frequencies. Intergroup analysis was done using Chi square test with p<0.05 taken as significant. Results: Of 269 enrolled patients, majority had advanced/metastatic disease (82.4%) and were being treated on outdoor basis (71.6%). Almost all (99.6%) were aware of COVID, electronic/print media being commonest source of information (62.7%). Though having different views, 81.5% considered it a natural calamity. During first wave,22.4% had delayed their investigations while 34.7% faced treatment interruptions with average duration of delay being 55±27 days. Traveling difficulties due to lock down was common reason of delay (54.8%). During this period 62.4% either noted worsening of symptoms or new symptoms. Despite all chaos, 89.9% selected for treatment continuation if provided with a chance and appropriate facilities. Correlation of delay in therapy with high level of education (p=0.013) and perception about COVID-19 a natural calamity (p=0.041) was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Patients' perspective is important and should be taken into account in special circumstances like COVID. It will help in future in making efficient management planning of disease during unusual situations. Key Words: COVID-19, cancer patients, Knowledge How to cite: Yaqub S., Jamil Z., Butt. B.N., Zafar A., Lodhi R.F., Khokhar A.M. Knowledge and attitude of cancer patients towards COVID-19 pandemic. Esculapio 2021;17(01):26-29