Factors influencing non–adherence to chemotherapy: Perspective of Nigerian breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Background & Aim: The use of chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer has experienced a rapid increase in recent years and this is expected to continue. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the patient-related factors, therapy related factors, and health care system factors that influence non-adherence to chemotherapy among breast cancer survivors at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu.

Methods & Materials: The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive survey with a total population of 100 cancer survivors. The breast cancer questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection.

Results: The result of the study showed that financial constraint 61(61.0%) was the major patient related factor that influence non-adherence to chemotherapy, medication side effects (hair loss, loss of weight) 62(62.0%) and duration of treatment 50(50.0%) were the major therapy related factors while unfavorable hour of clinic visit 40(40.0%) was the major health care related factor that influences non-adherence to chemotherapy.

Conclusion: It was concluded that the federal government should re-implement the health care policy that allowed treatment free-of-charge at Nigerian government hospitals to those with malignancies and other chronic ailments to mitigate the burden of associated financial problems and encourage patients to seek orthodox medical care. Also, health education initiation on benefit of adhering to chemotherapy would be needed on the part of the nurses to foster the women intake of chemotherapy. Nurses caring for women who receive endocrine therapy for breast cancer should identify those who may be at greater risk for being non-adherent.