Utilization of palliative care service among cancer patients in public hospitals of Ethiopia: A facility-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The global need for palliative care is increasing due to aging populations and greater exposure to modifiable risk factors. The objective of this study is to assess utilization of palliative care service and factors affecting that use among adult cancer patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the year 2024.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire and SPSS version 26.0 to analyze data on palliative care service utilization. Independent factors included socio-demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and factors related to knowledge, finances, communication, the health system, and perceptions of palliative care. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify independent factors, with a P-value of <0.05 indicating statistical significance.

RESULT: A total of 420 cancer patients participated. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, current palliative care utilization was strongly associated with having discussed palliative care (AOR: 9.39, 95% CI: 5.52-15.96, P<.001) and having been offered palliative care (AOR: 6.20, 95% CI: 3.61-10.65, P<.001), underscoring the critical role of provider-initiated communication. Furthermore, patients with positive health system perceptions were 1.89 times more likely to engage with palliative care compared to those with negative views (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.05-3.39, p = .031).

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the critical need for enhanced communication, community education, and systemic improvements to increase palliative care utilization among cancer patients in Ethiopia. Efforts must focus on addressing financial and cultural barriers to optimize the quality of care.