Studying the accessibility of healthcare services for cancer patients in Khartoum state amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess cancer patients' accessibility to healthcare services and perceived barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Khartoum state, aiming to explore the consequent impact on cancer patients. It also aims to determine the coping strategies used by patients to overcome these barriers. Study designThis is a retrospective analytical cross-sectional study. MethodsData were collected from August 2020 to March 2021, with a sample size of 316 cancer patients. Systemic random sampling and SPSS version 25 were utilized for data collection and analysis. ResultsThe study found that 55.7 % of the surveyed cancer patients had experienced disruptions in accessing essential cancer healthcare services during the lockdown. The study identified the most common cancers as breast (19.7 %), gastrointestinal (19 %), and ovarian (11 %). Notable barriers included governmental travel restrictions (51.6 %), outpatient service closures (41.8 %), and high costs (27.8 %). Additionally, delayed treatment was directly associated with a 33.3 % fatality rate among the participants. ConclusionsThis study highlights the considerable negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on cancer care in Sudan. Recommendations include a focus on telemedicine as an alternative form of patient consultation, the expansion of health insurance schemes to encompass cancer treatments, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to facilitate cancer care during crises.