Abstract
ObjectivesCancer is the second leading cause of death in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, but there is an absence of evidence systematically assessing symptom burden and quality of life (QoL) using validated tools. Our objective was to assess associations between socio-demographic and disease-related characteristics, symptom burden and QoL in a sample of cancer patients accessing outpatient services in the Gaza Strip.DesignA cross-sectional, descriptive survey using interviews and medical record review involving patients with cancer accessing oncology outpatient services at Al Rantisi Hospital and European Gaza Hospital (EGH) in the Gaza Strip was employed. Socio-demographic and disease-related data, the Lebanese version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS-Leb), and the Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) were collected. Multiple linear regression was used to judge the relative influence of determinants of QoL.ResultsOf 414 cancer patients approached, 385 patients consented to participation. The majority were women (64.7%) with a mean age of 52 years (SD = 16.7). Common cancer diagnoses were breast (32.2%), haematological (17.9%) and colorectal (9.1%). The median number of symptoms was 10 (IQR 1.5–18.5). Mean overall QoL was 70.5 (SD 19.9) with common physical and psychological symptoms identified. A higher burden of symptoms was associated with marital status, education and income. Limited access to both opioids and psychological support were reported.ConclusionsA high symptom burden was identified in outpatients with cancer. Increasing provision and access to supportive care for physical and psychological symptoms should be prioritised alongside exploring routine assessment of symptom burden and QoL.
Highlights
Palestine, along with other LMICs, is experiencing a growth in the burden of non-communicable diseases [1, 2]
A high symptom burden was identified in outpatients with cancer
Increasing provision and access to supportive care for physical and psychological symptoms should be prioritised alongside exploring routine assessment of symptom burden and quality of life (QoL)
Summary
Along with other LMICs, is experiencing a growth in the burden of non-communicable diseases [1, 2]. In the context of the Gaza Strip, the complex and ongoing socio-political and economic crises faced by the Ministry of Health heavily affect the delivery of care for people with cancer. Whilst affecting all areas of healthcare delivery, the chronic shortage of many essential medicines arising through political instability and a lack of funding, leads to 30–40% of essential chemotherapy drugs not being in stock at any one point in time. This can lead to delays in receiving treatment and missed doses, leading to a worse prognosis and increased mortality for patients [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
