Situation Analysis of the Ongoing Services and Activities Related to Cancer Prevention and Control Continuum at the Governmental Hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the continuing services and activities related to cancer prevention and control at the Gaza Strip's public hospitals. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the oncology departments in the general hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, among a census sample of Palestinian health care professionals. The WHO-IAEA NCCP Core Self-Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the continuing services and activities linked to the cancer control program. An interview-based questionnaire was used to collect information about the participants' characteristics. SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The current study comprised a total of 100 participants. The participant's reactions to the key factors of current services and activities connected to the cancer prevention and control continuum at Al Shifa Medical Complex, European Gaza Hospital, Al- Rantisi Hospital, and the three facilities. The findings revealed that only 2.0%, 3.1%, 8.6% and 13.8% had well established prevention activities respectively; only 3.0%, 1.75%, 9.75% and 14.9% had well-established early detection activities respectively; only 4.0%, 4.33%, 11.16% and 18.33% had wellestablished diagnosis and treatment activities related respectively; and only 2.0%, 4.25%, 8.87% and 14.87% had well-established palliative care activities respectively. Conclusion: The current investigation revealed significant inadequacies in continuing services and activities related to cancer prevention and control in government hospitals. It is critical to take a balanced and complete approach to improve various aspects of the national cancer control program, bolstering current efforts and launching the missing pieces.