Speakers - 2025

Title: Economic hardship among principal family caregivers of cancer patients at Khartoum oncology hospital: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: the impact of cancer extends beyond patients and consumes their families. Family members are widely recognized as informal caregivers. The economic burden on family caregivers is increased with new treatments, prolonged survival and reduced stay in acute care setting. This is especially true in African countries where family bonds are sacred and health system is fragile that they need to pay out of pocket for care. This study aims to investigate the economic burden of cancer caregiving in Sudan.

Method: this study was a quantitative, descriptive cross - sectional study conducted at Khartoum oncology hospital. Included 143 caregivers of cancer patients. Data collected by face to face interviews, using socio-demographic Questionnaire, and Economic Hardship Questionnaire (EHQ).

Results: 143 cancer patients and their caregivers were included. 56.6% of patients were females, and about 32.2% were aged 51–65 years. The most common cancer types were breast cancer and leukemia. Roughly 33% of patients had stage IV cancer on presentation, and about 53.9% received chemotherapy. Unlike cancer patients, (47.6%) of family caregivers were aged 18–34 years, yet they were mainly females (54.4%). Most of them (34.3%) were unemployed with a mean monthly gross income of 53.3 dollars, while the mean household monthly gross income was 113.0 dollars. The mean score of the economic hardship scale was 35.8 out of 64. Most of the caregivers experience no difficulties affording necessities. However, they experience difficulties with medical and leisure activities.

There was no significant association between caregiver economic hardship and cancer patient characteristics (patients’ age, cancer stage, and treatment type). However, there was a significant association between caregivers' economic hardships and their gender, marital status , educational level , occupation , caregiver monthly gross income , and household monthly gross income.

Conclusion: The study findings suggest a moderate financial burden among cancer caregivers. The predicting factors include being single, student, male, of higher educational level and lower income. Financial difficulties are associated with maladaptive behavior and they should come to light.